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Definition of credential

credential

/krəˈdɛn.ʃəl/
cre · den · tial

Plural:credentials
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Adjective:credentialed
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Past Simple:credentialed
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Past Participle:credentialed
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Present Participle:credentialing
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credential Lexical Profile

credential Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A qualification, achievement, personal quality, or aspect of a person's background, typically when used to indicate that they are suitable for a particular role or position (often used in the plural).

Example

"Her impressive academic credentials made her the top candidate for the research director position."


2

An official document, certificate, badge, or piece of digital data (such as a username and password) that proves a person's identity, status, or authorization to access something.

Example

"Every journalist covering the summit must wear a press credential visible around their neck at all times."

Synonyms
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• verb

1

To provide someone with official credentials, or to verify and certify a person's qualifications for a particular profession or role.

Example

"The hospital must formally credential all new physicians before they are permitted to treat patients."

Synonyms
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• adjective

1

Relating to or serving to establish a person's authority, qualifications, credit, or official status.

Example

"The newly appointed ambassador presented his credential letters to the head of state during the formal ceremony."

Synonyms
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• Rhymes for credential

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from Medieval Latin 'credentialis' (meaning 'giving authority' or 'warranting credit'), from Latin 'credentia' ('belief, trust'), which traces back to the verb 'credere' ('to believe, trust').

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Credential. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/credential
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