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 And that should hardly be a surprise because nobody is infallible. Norbert Michel, Forbes, 25 Sep. 2024 Prieto and screenwriter Mateo Gil repeatedly explore the many contradictions of religion that are brought out by complicated situations, but always reach the same conclusion: a loving God might be infallible, but the mortals tasked with interpreting his wishes most certainly are not. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2024 As the CrowdStrike incident proved, third-party vendors are far from infallible. David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2024 But, as viewers who’ve lived through the past four years already know, the assumption that wealth and seclusion alone are infallible defenses against a pandemic attacking society from all angles is hopelessly naive. Judy Berman, TIME, 25 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for infallible 

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 3 Oct. 2024.

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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