Trustworthiness: meaning, definitions and examples

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trustworthiness

 

[ˈtrʌstwɜːrðɪnəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

character trait

The quality of being reliable, honest, and deserving of trust. Trustworthiness is an essential trait in building strong relationships both personally and professionally. It involves consistency in words and actions, as well as being transparent and accountable.

Synonyms

dependability, honesty, integrity, reliability.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
trustworthiness

Use this word when referring to the quality of being reliable and deserving trust. It is often used in professional, personal, or financial contexts where reputation matters.

  • Her trustworthiness as a financial advisor is what makes her clients feel secure.
  • The trustworthiness of the company is reflected in its consistent delivery of high-quality products.
reliability

Reliability is used to describe the quality of consistently performing well and always being available when needed. It is frequently used in both technical contexts and personal evaluations.

  • The reliability of the new software is one of its main selling points.
  • Clients appreciate the reliability of our 24/7 customer service.
integrity

This word is useful in contexts where moral and ethical standards are highlighted. It implies adherence to strong moral principles.

  • He was known for his integrity in all his business dealings.
  • Integrity is crucial for a leader because it builds trust within the team.
honesty

Honesty is best used when focusing on truthfulness and the absence of deceit, especially in personal or ethical situations.

  • Her honesty was evident when she admitted to making a mistake.
  • A relationship built on honesty tends to be much stronger.
dependability

This word is suitable for situations where one emphasizes consistency and the ability to be relied upon in various situations. It has a more practical and everyday application.

  • John's dependability as a team member is unmatched; he's always there when you need him.
  • Parents value the dependability of a babysitter over almost everything else.

Examples of usage

  • He was hired for the job because of his trustworthiness.
  • Trustworthiness is a key factor in successful leadership.
  • She proved her trustworthiness by always keeping her promises.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from 'trust,' which originates from the Old Norse word 'traust' meaning 'to have confidence.'
  • It combines 'trust' with the suffix '-worthiness,' which indicates being deserving of a quality.
  • This term has been in use since the early 1600s, evolving in its meaning over the centuries.

Psychology

  • Research shows that trustworthiness influences interpersonal relationships, enhancing cooperation and reducing conflict.
  • Studies indicate that people tend to judge trustworthiness based on facial features, despite it being an unreliable method.
  • Trustworthiness can also affect group dynamics, as teams with trustworthy members report higher satisfaction and performance.

Business

  • In business, trustworthiness is essential for client retention and employee morale, impacting overall success.
  • Brands deemed trustworthy often gain customer loyalty, which is crucial in today’s competitive market.
  • Corporate transparency and ethical practices are key drivers in establishing a trustworthy image.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures have varying views on trust; some value directness while others may emphasize relationship-building.
  • In many eastern cultures, trustworthiness is established through community reputation and long-standing relationships.
  • In some societies, a person’s trustworthiness may be judged more by their family background than their individual actions.

Literature

  • Many literary works explore themes of trust and betrayal, highlighting how trustworthiness can shape characters' destinies.
  • Classic stories often depict the fall of a trustworthy character as a tragic element, emphasizing the value of honesty.
  • Authors like Jane Austen have depicted trustworthiness as a crucial factor in romance and social standing.

Translations

Translations of the word "trustworthiness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 confiabilidade

🇮🇳 विश्वसनीयता

🇩🇪 Zuverlässigkeit

🇮🇩 keandalan

🇺🇦 надійність

🇵🇱 wiarygodność

🇯🇵 信頼性

🇫🇷 fiabilité

🇪🇸 confiabilidad

🇹🇷 güvenilirlik

🇰🇷 신뢰성

🇸🇦 الموثوقية

🇨🇿 spolehlivost

🇸🇰 spoľahlivosť

🇨🇳 可信度

🇸🇮 zanesljivost

🇮🇸 áreiðanleiki

🇰🇿 сенімділік

🇬🇪 სანდოობა

🇦🇿 etibarlılıq

🇲🇽 confiabilidad

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,453, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.