credibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "credibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the trustworthiness or reliability of a person, source, or piece of information. Example: "The journalist's credibility was called into question after several inaccuracies were reported in her articles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They have attacked the most vulnerable in society, slashed the budget for public services and undermined the credibility of these institutions.

The Guardian

However, he would regret it if the church lost its "credibility" among non-attenders who, he says, frequently feel warmly disposed to it "thanks to generations of love and service".

The Guardian

"Economic credibility would be more readily restored with your departure," he wrote.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the site's credibility was undermined somewhat when Monster's Patty Jenkins was last night revealed to have taken the job.

The Guardian - Film

Putin has managed to destabilise every former Soviet republic and greatly damage the strategic credibility of the west – of which Nato is a central pillar.

The Guardian - Opinion

Senior Palestinian officials believe the vote is a crucial test of whether there is a future for President Mahmoud Abbas's diplomatic strategy after his credibility was badly damaged among Palestinians by what they regard as the success of Hamas in the conflict with Israel this month.

The Guardian

But Palestinian officials are dismissive of the argument, saying there is no peace process to speak of and that Israel has done little to enhance Abbas's credibility by continuing to expand Jewish settlements and treating him with contempt.

The Guardian

(If the "credibility and effectiveness" of Irish bishops have been undermined, as he says, by the scandals, what of his own standing as a bishop, as the power behind John Paul II's throne and now as pope?) There is no explicit endorsement of the new protocols in Ireland demanding that all suspicions be referred to the police.

The Guardian

The Lib Dems, eager to restore credibility on the issue in the wake of their broken 2010 election pledge to abolish tuition fees, claim that the Labour plan will help richer graduates.

The Guardian

Just a small note: just because Hugh Jackman in Les Miserables absolutely destroyed the credibility of vibrato doesn't mean you can't deploy it periodically.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Right now what we are looking to do is establish credibility by getting others who have been affected, and the protest will allow for others to come forward," said Chicago attorney Billy Mills, who said he found the Chicago police statement on Homan Square to be "vague" and "missing specific details".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the impact of actions or statements on "credibility", use specific examples to illustrate how that "credibility" is either enhanced or undermined.

Common error

Avoid making claims about enhanced or diminished "credibility" without providing concrete evidence or examples to support your assertions. Ensure that your analysis is grounded in verifiable facts and logical reasoning.

Linguistic Context

The noun "credibility" functions primarily to denote the quality of being believable or worthy of trust. Ludwig's examples highlight its use in assessing the reputation of individuals, institutions, and information sources. It often serves as a subject or object of verbs related to gaining, losing, or undermining trust.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

21%

Science

21%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "credibility" is a noun denoting the quality of being believable or trustworthy. Ludwig AI shows it's grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news, business, and scientific contexts. It plays a crucial role in evaluating the reliability of information and the trustworthiness of individuals or entities. To wield it effectively, ensure your claims are backed by evidence, avoiding vague statements. Alternatives like "believability" and "trustworthiness" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. Maintaining "credibility" requires consistency and a strong reputation, as even small inconsistencies could lead to a devastating loss of trust.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Believability

Focuses specifically on the quality of being believable or convincing.

Trustworthiness

Emphasizes the reliability and integrity of a person or source.

Reliability

Highlights the consistency and dependability of information or actions.

Reputability

Refers to the good reputation and respected status of someone or something.

Integrity

Stresses the moral soundness and honesty that contribute to believability.

Authoritativeness

Indicates the quality of being an expert or having recognized authority.

Validity

Focuses on the factual accuracy and logical soundness of information.

Plausibility

Highlights the apparent reasonableness or likelihood of something being true.

Veracity

Emphasizes the truthfulness and accuracy of statements or claims.

Weight

Refers to the importance or influence attributed to a source or statement.

FAQs

How can I use "credibility" in a sentence?

You can use "credibility" to describe the quality of being believable or trustworthy. For example, "The witness's testimony lacked "believability", affecting her "credibility" in court."

What are some synonyms for "credibility"?

Synonyms for "credibility" include "believability", "trustworthiness", "reliability", and "reputability". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What factors affect someone's "credibility"?

Factors that affect "credibility" include a person's past actions, consistency in their statements, evidence supporting their claims, and their reputation. Inconsistent behavior can damage "trustworthiness" and thus, their "credibility".

How important is "credibility" in journalism?

"Credibility" is paramount in journalism. Without it, news organizations lose their audience's trust. Maintaining "reliability" and accuracy is essential for a news source to retain its "credibility".