fallible

adjective

fal·​li·​ble ˈfa-lə-bəl How to pronounce fallible (audio)
1
: liable to be erroneous
a fallible generalization
2
: capable of making a mistake
we're all fallible
fallibly adverb

Did you know?

Humanum est errare” is a Latin expression that translates as “To err is human.” Of course, cynics might say that it is also human to deceive. The history of the word fallible simultaneously recognizes both of these character flaws. In modern usage, fallible refers to one’s ability to make mistakes, but it descends from the Latin verb fallere, which means “to deceive.” Fallible has been used to describe the potential for error since at least the 15th century. Other descendants of fallere in English, all of which actually predate fallible, include fallacy (the earliest, now obsolete, meaning was “guile, trickery”), fault, false, and even fjail. Whoops, we mean fail.

Examples of fallible in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As drawn here, the characters are an entirely plausible, fallible mix of peevishness, self-interest and self-sacrifice, especially the parents who learn the most about themselves and each other when push finally comes to shove. Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025 In Pynchon’s best works, his bleakness is brightened, in both senses—illuminated and made lighter—by the sweep of his vision and his affection for his fallible, foolhardy, well-meaning, wildly outmatched main characters. Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025 CEOs, like anyone else, are human and fallible. Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 Bob had to be valiant, dictatorial, curious, ever listening, wily, playful, deluded, strategic, flirtatious, fallible, political, and willing to protect and persevere against all doubters, critics, compass navigators, naysayers well intentioned or not. Walden Green, Pitchfork, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fallible

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin fallibilis, from Latin fallere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fallible was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Fallible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fallible. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

fallible

adjective
fal·​li·​ble ˈfal-ə-bəl How to pronounce fallible (audio)
: capable of making a mistake or being wrong
fallibility
ˌfal-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē
noun
fallibly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on fallible

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!