What does reputability mean?
Reputability is the quality of being regarded as trustworthy, respectable, and held in good esteem. It is especially associated with institutions, organizations, publications, and professional experts, where confidence in their integrity or competence matters. The word differs from “reputation” by focusing on the quality or condition of deserving respect: a person or organization may have reputability because of established reliability, consistent conduct, or recognized expertise. Reputability also suggests a more formal and institutional register than informal words such as “standing” or “good name.” Although it can be used to describe an individual, it commonly refers to the credibility of a public body, a field of knowledge, a business, or a source of information. Understanding the word helps distinguish the mere presence of fame from the more specific quality of being trusted and respected.
nounThe quality or condition of being reputable, especially of being regarded as trustworthy, respectable, or of good standing.
- The quality of being regarded as reputable, trustworthy, or respectable.
"The institute's long history gave it considerable reputability in the field of classical studies."
"Years of consistent reporting established the newspaper's reputability."
"She questioned the reputability of the claims made by the anonymous source."
Reputability is generally used as an uncountable noun.
"The partnership's reputability was questioned by several members."
Reputability is the subtle power of being regarded as trustworthy before anyone has examined your work closely.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does reputability come from?
“Reputability” comes from the adjective “reputable,” which in turn derives from “repute.” “Repute” entered English from Old French “r reputer,” ultimately from Latin “reputare,” meaning “to reckon again” or “to consider afresh.” Over time, the word developed the sense of a person's or institution's established character or esteem, from which the modern meaning of reputability developed.
How reputability is actually used
Relatively formal and commonly used in professional, academic, or institutional contexts. It often appears after “of” and describes a quality or standing rather than the reputation itself.
Easily confused with reputability
Reputation is the general regard held about someone or something, while reputability specifically emphasizes the quality or condition of being reputable.
Repute means reputation or established esteem, whereas reputability is the quality or state of deserving a good reputation.