infallibility
C1formal
Definition
Meaning
The quality of being incapable of making mistakes or being wrong.
The state or quality of being unfailing or absolutely reliable. In religious contexts, it specifically refers to the doctrine that a person or institution is preserved from error by divine assistance.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often carries an absolute, inherent, or inherent quality; implies perfection and an absence of fallibility. Commonly abstract and conceptual.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major spelling differences. Usage is identical in both varieties.
Connotations
Strongly associated with papal authority in Roman Catholic theology in both regions.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in religious or academic discourse in the US due to broader discussion of papal infallibility.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the infallibility of [someone/something]to claim/assert/believe in the infallibility of [someone/something]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No one is gifted with infallibility.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Seldom used directly; may appear in critiques of overconfident leadership: 'The CEO's belief in his own infallibility led to disastrous decisions.'
Academic
Frequent in philosophy, theology, and history: 'The debate centered on the epistemological foundations of scientific infallibility.'
Everyday
Rare; used for emphasis or irony: 'I don't claim infallibility, but I'm pretty sure I locked the door.'
Technical
Used in theological discourse, especially Catholic doctrine: 'The First Vatican Council defined the conditions for the exercise of papal infallibility.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They argue that no human can infallibly predict the future.
American English
- No system infallibly prevents all user errors.
adverb
British English
- She infallibly chooses the winning horse.
American English
- He infallibly shows up late for meetings.
adjective
British English
- He was considered an infallible authority on medieval history.
American English
- Their method is not infallible, but it's highly accurate.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- No one has infallibility; everyone makes mistakes.
- Parents do not have infallibility.
- The concept of papal infallibility is central to Catholic doctrine.
- His confidence bordered on a belief in his own infallibility.
- The philosopher debunked the myth of scientific infallibility, arguing that all knowledge is provisional.
- The cult leader demanded complete faith in his personal infallibility.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
IN (not) + FALLIBLE (capable of error) + ITY (state of) = the state of not being capable of error.
Conceptual Metaphor
INERRANCESS IS A SHIELD (against error/criticism), PERFECTION IS A PEAK (unassailable position).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'непогрешимость' in non-religious contexts where it may sound overly formal or archaic. For 'reliability' in technical systems, use 'надёжность'. 'Infallibility' implies zero error, which is stronger than 'безошибочность'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing with 'inability' or 'invulnerability'. Incorrect: 'The software's infallibility to viruses...' (should be 'invulnerability'). Overuse in non-absolute contexts where 'reliability' is sufficient.
Practice
Quiz
Which word is NOT a close synonym for 'infallibility'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Infallibility' specifically means incapability of error, while 'perfection' is a broader state of flawlessness in all aspects.
Yes, but it's a very strong claim implying zero errors ever. 'High reliability' or 'fault-tolerance' is more commonly used.
"Papal infallibility" is by far the most frequent and specific collocation, referencing Catholic doctrine.
The direct and most common antonym is 'fallibility'.