Usaldusväärset

Usaldusväärset is an Estonian term that denotes the quality of being trustworthy or reliable. In everyday language as well as in scholarly or professional contexts, it is used to describe information, sources, systems, or actors that are considered credible, accurate, and dependable.

Etymology and form. The word is built from the root usaldus (trust) and related adjectival or nominal suffixes, forming a term that is widely used across different grammatical contexts. In phrases it commonly appears in combinations such as usaldusväärne teave (trustworthy information) or usaldusväärsed allikad (reliable sources). The exact inflected form varies with case and number, as with many Estonian words.

Usage and significance. Usaldusväärset plays a central role in discussions about information quality, media literacy, and digital trust. It is used to evaluate the credibility of sources, the reliability of data, and the trustworthiness of institutions or online services. In journalism, politics, and public administration, establishing and communicating usaldusväärset information is considered essential for informed decision-making and governance.

See also. Credibility, Information reliability, Trust in institutions, Media literacy.

Note. While the concept is widely understood in Estonian discourse, its precise boundaries can vary by field and context, reflecting ongoing debates about what makes information or sources truly trustworthy.