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An infraction is usually the breaking of a law, rule, or agreement. So a nation charged with an infraction of an international treaty will usually have to pay a penalty. In Federal law, an infraction is even smaller than a misdemeanor, and the only penalty is a fine. Most of us occasionally commit infractions of parking laws and get ticketed; speeding tickets are usually for infractions as well, though they go on a permanent record and can end up costing you money for years to come. The closely related word infringement generally refers to a violation of a right or privilege; use of another's writings without permission, for example, may be an infringement of the copyright.
Examples of infraction in a Sentence
Talia Soglin, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026
Beyond speeding tickets and traffic infractions, Caleb Flynn doesn't have a criminal history.
—Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 21 Feb. 2026
Only upon Gates’ appeal of the initial foul call was the infraction upgraded to a flagrant 1 offense.
—Kansas City Star, 19 Feb. 2026
Andrew Sanders, 40, is charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, assault and obstructing a peace officer, all misdemeanors, as well as careless driving and failing to stay in one lane, both traffic infractions.
—Katie Langford, Denver Post, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for infraction
Cite this Entry
“Infraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infraction. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
infraction
noun
