infidelity

noun in·fi·del·i·ty \ ˌin-fə-ˈde-lə-tē , -(ˌ)fī- \

|Updated on: 16 Jul 2018

Examples: infidelity in a Sentence

Definition of infidelity

plural infidelities

1 : lack of belief in a religion

2 a : unfaithfulness to a moral obligation : disloyalty

b : the act or fact of having a romantic or sexual relationship with someone other than one's husband, wife, or partner

See infidelity defined for English-language learners

See infidelity defined for kids

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 of infidelity from the Web

The cringeworthy juxtaposition of evangelical leaders praying with Trump, as allegations of infidelity and hush money played out on TV, might have sunk a lesser president.

— tina nguyen, The Hive, "“The Stormy News Cycle Cancels Out Russia”: Amid the President’s Legal Chernobyl, MAGA Nation Gives Trump Two Thumbs Up," 4 May 2018
Blogger Nik Richie who runs a gossip site, thedirty.com, reported on Trump's alleged infidelity with Daniels in October 2011, five months after the In Touch interview.

— the washington post, NOLA.com, "Days before election, Stormy Daniels threatened to cancel deal to keep alleged affair with Trump secret," 2 Mar. 2018
Betty was engaged to the same man three different times, though the two never tied the knot due to suspicions of his infidelity.

— michelle profis, Country Living, "Betty Lynn, One of the Last Surviving Cast Members of 'The Andy Griffith Show,' Just Turned 90," 29 Aug. 2016
Indianapolis and Minneapolis were among the least corrupted, while Boston was in the middle (though more subscribed to the infidelity website).

— kevin lewis, BostonGlobe.com, "Most likely to prosecute," 29 June 2018
Ideally, each spouse would have a different therapist, as well as an additional therapist for the couple who is qualified in treating marital infidelity.

— alison bowen, chicagotribune.com, "After a husband's sexual misconduct, advice for women who choose to stay," 20 Mar. 2018
From elevator incidents and infidelity rumors to smash collaborations and adventures in parenting, the fiercely private pair continue to claim the throne of music’s First Family.

— jeff nelson, PEOPLE.com, "A Detailed Timeline of Beyoncé and JAY-Z's Relationship," 7 June 2018
The woman painted a picture of an emotionally abusive relationship, with her then-husband consistently accusing her of infidelity.

— jason hancock, kansascity, "Missouri lawmakers read, aloud, hours of testimony by woman in Greitens case | The Kansas City Star," 22 May 2018
Thank you Jesus for my sweet peanut 💜 — Khloé (@khloekardashian) May 10, 2018 The sentiment of sadness is likely a jab at the reality star's boyfriend, NBA star Tristan Thompson, who's been swarmed by infidelity allegations in the past few weeks.

— megan decker, Harper's BAZAAR, "Khloé Kardashian Just Gave a Heartbreaking Update About Baby True Thompson," 10 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'infidelity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of infidelity

Middle English infidelite, borrowed from Middle French infidelité, borrowed from Latin infidēlitāt-, infidēlitās "faithlessness, inconstancy," from infidēlis "unfaithful, disloyal" + -itāt-, -itās -ity — more at ²infidel

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year