infelicity
C2Formal
Definition
Meaning
The quality or state of being inappropriate, unsuitable, or unhappy; an instance of this.
In speech act theory: an utterance that fails to meet the conditions required for its successful performance, rendering it inappropriate or void. Also used to describe an unhappy or unfortunate state or circumstance.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is most at home in formal, academic, or literary contexts. In linguistics, it's a technical term in pragmatics, referring to flawed performative utterances. In general use, it often carries a somewhat old-fashioned, literary, or euphemistic tone when describing unhappiness or misfortune.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage patterns. The word is equally rare and formal in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries a strong formal, academic, or literary connotation. Outside of linguistic contexts, it can sound deliberately archaic or euphemistic.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in everyday language in both BrE and AmE. Its primary contemporary use is in academic disciplines like linguistics, literary criticism, and philosophy.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
N of N (infelicity of expression)ADJ + N (a glaring infelicity)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(none specific to the word)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rarely used. If used, it would be in formal reports or critiques: 'The infelicity of the proposed slogan could damage the brand.'
Academic
Common in linguistics (pragmatics), literary studies, and philosophy: 'Austin categorised failures of performative utterances as infelicities.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation. Might appear in very formal writing or speech.
Technical
Specific technical term in pragmatics and speech act theory, denoting a condition not met for a successful performative (e.g., lack of authority, insincerity).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- (No common verb form. 'Infelicify' is obsolete and not used.)
American English
- (No common verb form.)
adverb
British English
- He phrased it infelicitously, causing unintended offence.
- The point was infelicitously timed, ruining the moment.
American English
- She infelicitously compared the budget process to a sinking ship.
- The analogy was infelicitously chosen for the diverse audience.
adjective
British English
- The barrister's infelicitous remark drew a sharp rebuke from the judge.
- She made an infelicitous choice of words during the sensitive negotiations.
American English
- The politician's infelicitous comment was replayed endlessly on news networks.
- An infelicitous turn of phrase marred an otherwise excellent speech.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- (Too complex for A2. No example.)
- The letter contained a few infelicities in grammar that the teacher corrected.
- His speech was good, but there was one infelicity when he forgot the mayor's name.
- The translator avoided any stylistic infelicities that might betray the text's foreign origin.
- A single infelicity of tone undermined the entire formal apology.
- The philosopher analysed the infelicity of the promise, as the speaker had no intention of fulfilling it.
- The contract was void due to a performative infelicity—it was signed under duress.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: IN-FELICITY. 'Felicity' means happiness or aptness. Add 'in-' (meaning 'not'), so it's the state of NOT being apt or happy.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE AS A TOOL (a flawed tool creates infelicities). SOCIAL INTERACTION AS A PERFORMANCE (a failed performance is an infelicity).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'несчастье' (misfortune) in linguistic contexts; the primary academic meaning is 'неуместность' or 'неудачность' (inappropriateness, flawed utterance).
- Do not confuse with 'infidelity' (неверность).
- In non-technical contexts, it is a much more formal and rare word than its possible Russian equivalents.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'infelicity' with 'infidelity'.
- Using it in everyday contexts where 'mistake', 'error', 'gaffe', or 'unhappiness' would be more natural.
- Incorrect plural: 'infelicities' is correct.
Practice
Quiz
In the context of linguistics, an 'infelicity' primarily refers to:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. While it can mean a mistake, particularly in language, it strongly connotes inappropriateness or unsuitability to a context. In linguistics, it's a specific technical term for a flaw that invalidates a speech act.
Typically, no. It describes states, actions, expressions, or utterances (e.g., 'an infelicity of manner', 'an infelicitous remark'). You would not say 'He is an infelicity'.
Both refer to errors. A 'solecism' is specifically a grammatical mistake or breach of etiquette. 'Infelicity' is broader, covering any inappropriateness, and in technical use (linguistics) it has a very specific meaning unrelated to grammar.
No, it is a highly formal, academic, or literary word. In most everyday situations, words like 'mistake', 'error', 'gaffe', 'fault', or 'unhappiness' are far more natural and appropriate.