niezawodny

Niezawodny is a Polish adjective meaning reliable, dependable, or unfailing. It describes people, devices, systems, or services that can be trusted to perform as expected and that rarely fail. The term emphasizes consistency and proven performance rather than mere adequacy, and it is widely used in everyday speech as well as in technical, business, and marketing contexts.

The form declines normally for gender and number: niezawodny (masc. singular), niezawodna (fem. singular), niezawodne (neut. singular); niezawodni (masc. plural), niezawodne (neut./fem. plural). Etymologically, it is formed with the prefix nie- attached to the stem zawodny, producing a sense akin to “never failing” in common usage rather than a simple negation.

Usage notes: Niezawodny is used to describe things such as systems, equipment, services, or instruments that can be counted on in critical situations, as well as people who are consistently trustworthy. Examples include niezawodny system informatyczny (a reliable IT system) or niezawodny przyjaciel (a dependable friend). In some contexts, it may carry a connotation of tested performance and long-standing reputation.

Related terms and contrasts: synonyms include solidny, pewny, sprawdzony. The standard antonyms are nierzetelny or zawodny, depending on nuance and context. Although related to the familiar notion of reliability, niezawodny is typically chosen when emphasis is on steadiness and trustworthiness over time.