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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
Darcie Moran, Freep.com, 14 Nov. 2025
In a different statement to media, Engelmayer blamed someone on his legal team for the infraction.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 13 Nov. 2025
One 24-year-old man who was taken to ICE facility with help from the state had only infractions for failing to have a driver's license and insurance.
—Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 13 Nov. 2025
Steinholders are allowed two infractions before disqualification ensues, although spilling your beer is an automatic out.
—Martin Fritz Huber, Outside, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for infraction
Cite this Entry
“Infraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infraction. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.
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infraction
noun
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