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 Immediate and infallible authentication of a security or certificate, as well as its provenance. Dimitri Raziev, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Hot mix asphalt is less susceptible to potholes, but not infallible. The Indianapolis Star, 7 Feb. 2024 Through a mix of incentives and coercion, the broadcast media has been enlisted in an image-building machine that glorifies Mr. Modi as an infallible, godlike leader. Hari Kumar, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2024 That first-rate roster of restaurants includes relative newcomers like The Longboard and Sullivan's Fish Camp — which opened in 2021 and 2022, respectively — as well as infallible favorites like High Thyme, Home Team BBQ, and Poe’s Tavern. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 28 Jan. 2024 For weeks, the Clippers have cautioned that their incredible season turnaround had not left them infallible — a point their coach underscored again before tipoff Sunday. Andrew Greif, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2024 She’s also examined my mouth and proclaimed (my words, but her infallible message) that the color of my teeth is not pearl but lemon. Chris John Amorosino, Hartford Courant, 8 Jan. 2024 Saban and the Tide were no longer the infallible beasts of college football. Tyler R. Tynes, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2024 Jennifer Aniston confirms that black-on-black dressing is an infallible combination for any event. Teresa Romero Martínez, Glamour, 10 Dec. 2023

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 18 Mar. 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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