infidelity

noun

in·​fi·​del·​i·​ty ˌin-fə-ˈde-lə-tē How to pronounce infidelity (audio)
-(ˌ)fī-
plural infidelities
1
a
: the act or fact of having a romantic or sexual relationship with someone other than one's husband, wife, or partner
b
: unfaithfulness to a moral obligation : disloyalty
2
: lack of belief in a religion

Examples of infidelity in a Sentence

She was convinced that her husband was guilty of infidelity. He has admitted to a number of marital infidelities.
Recent Examples on the Web That October, a source told PEOPLE that Smart's infidelity is what prompted Lopez to call it quits. Lydia Price, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024 The scathing and specific lyrics about infidelity were widely thought to refer to her husband Jay-Z, which shone a new light on a partnership between two stratospherically successful artists. Aj Willingham, CNN, 20 Feb. 2024 My ex-girlfriend quickly entered a new relationship just two months after my admission of infidelity. Harriette Cole, The Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2024 Others speculated about the reason for the split, including allegations of infidelity (which Austin McBroom has denied). Angela Yang, NBC News, 12 Jan. 2024 They may be accused of infidelity, witchcraft or bringing a curse upon the family. Gus Alexiou, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2024 The lawsuit also alleges the then-superintendent invaded the family’s privacy by making false statements about their family history, including allegations of infidelity and drug use. Nic F. Anderson, CNN, 30 Jan. 2024 The show saw record viewers in Season 10, as details of Sandoval's infidelity unfolded in front of viewers. USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2024 The stationary camera is placed at a distance, silently observing the characters’ fragile connection painfully unraveling because of Bernstein’s infidelity. Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'infidelity.' 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 infidelite, borrowed from Middle French infidelité, borrowed from Latin infidēlitāt-, infidēlitās "faithlessness, inconstancy," from infidēlis "unfaithful, disloyal" + -itāt-, -itās -ity — more at infidel entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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

Dictionary Entries Near infidelity

Cite this Entry

“Infidelity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infidelity. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

infidelity

noun
in·​fi·​del·​i·​ty ˌin-fə-ˈdel-ət-ē How to pronounce infidelity (audio)
-(ˌ)fī-
plural infidelities
1
: lack of faith in a religion
2
: unfaithfulness especially to one's husband or wife

More from Merriam-Webster on infidelity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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