Reliability

Definition

Reliability refers to the quality of being trustworthy, dependable, and consistently performing to a certain standard without faltering.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌrɪlaɪəˈbɪlɪti/
• Respelling: ri-ly-uh-BIL-i-tee (with "ri" as in "rid," "ly" as in "lily," "uh" as a neutral sound, "BIL" as in "bill," and "i-tee" as in "city")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌrɪlaɪəˈbɪlɪti/
• Respelling: ri-ly-uh-BIL-i-tee (similar to American English, with "ri" as in "rid," "ly" as in "lily," "uh" as a neutral sound, "BIL" as in "bill," and "i-tee" as in "city")

In both dialects, "reliability" is pronounced with the stress on the third syllable, "BIL." The pronunciation is consistent across both American and British English, clearly articulating each component of the word with emphasis on the "BIL" syllable.

Etymology

"Reliability" is derived from the word "reliable," which originates from the prefix "re-" (meaning "again" or "back") and "lye" (from Old English "leogan," meaning "to lie, tell a falsehood"). Over time, it came to represent trustworthiness or dependability.

Derivatives

• Reliable
• Reliably
• Unreliable
• Unreliability
• Reliableness

Synonyms

• Dependability
• Trustworthiness
• Consistency

Antonyms

• Unreliability
• Inconsistency
• Undependability

Usage

The term "reliability" is widely used across various domains such as engineering, research, and general discourse to stress the dependability and consistent performance of a device, system, or information.

Related Terms

• Validity
• Precision
• Accuracy
• Stability
• Integrity

Detailed Definition

Noun

• The quality or state of being reliable; dependability or trustworthiness.
• Example: The reliability of the car makes it a favorite among consumers.

• In research, the consistency of results obtained from repeated measurements or observations.
• Example: The test's reliability was confirmed through multiple rounds of trials.

• In engineering, the probability that a device, system, or network will perform its designated function without failure over a specified period.
• Example: The satellite's reliability ensures uninterrupted communication for users.