dependability
C1Formal to neutral
Definition
Meaning
The quality of being reliable, trustworthy, and consistent.
The trait of being able to be counted on to perform a required function, behave predictably, or produce consistent results over time.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A noun denoting an abstract, positive quality. Implies consistency and trustworthiness over a prolonged period.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Highly positive in both varieties; associated with trust, consistency, and responsibility.
Frequency
Common in professional, technical, and evaluative contexts in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
dependability of [NOUN]dependability as a [NOUN]dependability in [NOUN/VERB-ING]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Built to last”
- “As solid as a rock (conceptual, not containing the word)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
A critical factor in supplier selection and employee performance reviews.
Academic
A measured variable in engineering, psychology, and quality assurance studies.
Everyday
Used to describe reliable people, vehicles, or services.
Technical
A key performance indicator in systems engineering and logistics.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We depend on his judgement.
- The system's performance depends on regular maintenance.
American English
- We depend on his judgment.
- The outcome depends on several factors.
adverb
British English
- He performed dependably throughout the project.
- The machine runs dependably day after day.
American English
- She has worked dependably for years.
- The software functions dependably under load.
adjective
British English
- She is a highly dependable colleague.
- Is the train service dependable in this weather?
American English
- He's a dependable source of information.
- We need a more dependable car.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- His dependability is very good.
- We need a dependable friend.
- The car's dependability is important for long journeys.
- Her dependability at work is well known.
- The study evaluated the dependability of the new security system.
- His reputation for dependability made him the first choice for the role.
- The philosophical treatise explored the dependability of human perception as a foundation for empirical knowledge.
- In contract law, the dependability of a witness's testimony can be pivotal to the case's outcome.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'You can DEPEND on a person with dependABILITY.'
Conceptual Metaphor
SOLIDITY / FOUNDATION (A dependable person is a rock; dependable service is a solid foundation.)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque from 'надежность' for all contexts; 'dependability' is narrower, focusing on predictable performance over time.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect spelling: 'dependibility' (missing 'a').
- Using it for short-term events (prefer 'reliability' for specific instances).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'dependability' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are often synonyms. 'Dependability' can emphasise a personal, moral quality ('a dependable friend'), while 'reliability' is often used for machines and data ('statistical reliability').
No, it describes a consistent quality over time. For a single instance, 'reliability' or 'accuracy' is better.
It is neutral-to-formal. In casual speech, people often say 'you can depend on him' or 'he's reliable'.
Use it as a subject or object noun, often preceded by a possessive ('his dependability') or part of a prepositional phrase ('known for its dependability').