English Reference
adjective · noun

reliable

adj. · n.
US /ɹiˈɫaɪəbəɫ/ UK /ɹɪlˈaɪəbəl/ re·li·able

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    adj.someone or something you can trust to behave well or work correctly.

    adj.consistent in performance or behaviour; able to be trusted to do what is expected.

    Simple

    My old car is very reliable and has never broken down on a long trip.

    In context

    The company is looking for a reliable contractor who can guarantee the project will be finished before the winter holidays.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    adj.a system that makes sure information reaches its destination safely.

    adj.referring to a protocol that ensures data packets reach their destination or notifies the sender of failure.

    Simple

    A reliable network connection is essential for making clear video calls.

    In context

    TCP is considered a reliable transport protocol because it manages retransmissions to ensure that the data stream remains intact.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    n.a person or thing that you can always depend on.

    n.an entity that is consistently dependable; often used in the phrase 'old reliable'.

    Simple

    When the new printer broke, we had to use 'old reliable' in the corner.

    In context

    Among all the flashy new gadgets, this manual typewriter remains the office reliable whenever the power goes out.

Usage reliable access · merit reliable · reliable assessment


From rely + -able.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated