Which term describes the probability that an item can perform its intended function under stated conditions?

The term that describes the probability that an item can perform its intended function under stated conditions is reliability. Reliability assesses how dependable a product or system is over time, highlighting its ability to function correctly when needed. It is a crucial aspect in quality management as it directly impacts customer satisfaction and product performance.

Reliability is often quantified by means of failure rates, mean time between failures (MTBF), or similar metrics, which indicate how likely it is for a product to remain operational over a designated period within specified conditions. This measure becomes vital in industries where safety and performance are paramount, as it assures users that the item will not fail unexpectedly during its intended use.

In contrast, defectiveness refers to a product's failure to meet established standards or specifications, capability relates to the ability of a process to produce output that meets required specifications, and process variation involves the differences in the output of a process. While all these terms play a role in understanding product quality and performance, reliability specifically targets the probability aspect of performance under given conditions.