infallible

adjective

in·​fal·​li·​ble (ˌ)in-ˈfa-lə-bəl How to pronounce infallible (audio)
1
: incapable of error : unerring
an infallible memory
2
: not liable to mislead, deceive, or disappoint : certain
an infallible remedy
3
: incapable of error in defining doctrines touching faith or morals
infallibility noun
infallibly adverb

Did you know?

Watch out when you hear about infallible predictions, an infallible plan, an infallible cure, or even infallible lip gloss. Infallible isn't a claim that scientists, engineers, and doctors like to make, so you're probably getting better information when the word not comes first. You may have heard the phrase "papal infallibility", which refers to the official position of the Roman Catholic church, adopted in the 19th century, that certain solemn statements made by a Pope about faith or morals were not to be questioned. Popes since then have been careful not to make many of these statements.

Examples of infallible in a Sentence

I never claimed to be infallible. There is no infallible remedy to these problems.
Recent Examples on the Web Matthew Stafford is not infallible (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) Don’t blame Stafford for his third-quarter interception. Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2023 Throughout our tests, this suitcase proved tough but not infallible. Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 13 Apr. 2023 So why does a segment of the audience seem to want these legacy characters to be infallible? Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 July 2023 He’s got this underlying structure that is infallible, from his point of view. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 10 June 2023 And the play’s infallible final gesture, here involving rude Scrabble instead of bingo, once again doesn’t fail. Jesse Green, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2023 The series follows the adventures of Diabolik, an infallible, ruthless master thief. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Feb. 2023 Against that backdrop, deep U.S.-China economic ties are hardly an infallible safeguard against conflict. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 30 May 2023 Owning a suede jacket is almost a rite of passage for Hollywood A-listers, and this bomber-style option has an infallible design that'll make even the most average joe of us into a leading man of our own story. Maverick Li, Men's Health, 18 Jan. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'infallible.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin infallibilis, from Latin in- + Late Latin fallibilis fallible

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near infallible

Cite this Entry

“Infallible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infallible. Accessed 30 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

infallible

adjective
in·​fal·​li·​ble (ˈ)in-ˈfal-ə-bəl How to pronounce infallible (audio)
1
: not capable of being wrong : unerring
an infallible memory
2
: not likely to fail : sure
an infallible remedy
infallibility noun
infallibly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on infallible

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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