reliable

/riˈlaɪəbəl/

/rəˈlaɪɑbəl/

Calling something reliable means you can count on it to come through when you need it; it's dependable. If you're headed out for an around-the-world sailing trip, hopefully your lifejacket is reliable.

You can certainly rely on something reliable because it's trustworthy and responsible. Reliable people usually show up on time, never flake out, and always tell the truth. A reliable car isn't likely to break down and will get you from place to place safely. And if you happen to lose your trusty sidekick, good luck looking for a reliable replacement.

Definitions of reliable

1. adjective

   worthy of reliance or trust
   “a reliable source of information”

   synonyms: dependable

   certain, sure

   reliable in operation or effect

   tested, time-tested, tried, tried and true

   tested and proved to be reliable

   undeviating

   used of values and principles; not subject to change; steady

   trustworthy, trusty

   worthy of trust or belief

   antonyms:

   unreliable

   not worthy of reliance or trust

   erratic, temperamental, wayward

   likely to perform unpredictably

   uncertain

   not consistent or dependable

   unsound

   of e.g. advice

   untrustworthy, untrusty

   not worthy of trust or belief
2. adjective

   worthy of being depended on
   “a reliable source of information”

   synonyms: dependable, honest, true

   trustworthy, trusty

   worthy of trust or belief
3. adjective

   conforming to fact and therefore worthy of belief
   “reliable information”

   synonyms: authentic

   trustworthy, trusty

   worthy of trust or belief