English Reference
noun

credentials

n.
US /kɹəˈdɛnʃəɫz/ UK /kɹɪdˈɛnʃəlz/ cre·den·tials

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    documents or experiences that prove you have the skills or right to do a job.

    documents or certificates proving a person's identity or qualifications, often used to establish professional or academic authority.

    Simple

    The new manager has impressive credentials from some of the best companies in the world.

    In context

    Before hiring the consultant, the board spent several days verifying her academic credentials and reviewing her previous project successes.

    Usage

    Usually plural; rarely used in the singular form in general contexts.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

    the username and password you use to enter a website or computer system.

    the set of information, such as a username and password, used to verify a user's identity for digital access.

    Simple

    Please do not share your login credentials with anyone else for security reasons.

    In context

    The system administrator reset all user credentials after the security breach was detected on the main server.

    Usage

    In technical contexts, this refers specifically to the pair of identifiers required for authentication.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal Law

    official papers that give someone, like an ambassador, the power to represent their country.

    formal documents, such as letters of credence, that authorize a person to act as a representative or ambassador.

    Simple

    The ambassador presented his credentials to the president during a formal ceremony.

    In context

    The diplomatic envoy was unable to begin negotiations until his credentials had been formally accepted by the host government.

As one-third of the sketch-group-of-their-generation, Sheeps , and now head writer on the hit Saturday Night Live UK , he doesn’t lack credentials for a tilt at standup.

The Guardian· 16 Aug 2026

At the end of last week Glasgow University said it would also investigate Arday’s academic credentials.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated