1
Core quality
Incapable of making an error or failing; always correct or reliable.
Example
No forecasting method is infallible.
infallible
/ɪnˈfæləbəl/ · in-FAL-uh-buladjective
Incapable of making an error or failing; always correct or reliable.
Use infallible to express this relationship precisely: incapable of making an error or failing; always correct or reliable.
What infallible Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
The public treated the expert as infallible despite her limited evidence.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
Even a highly reliable test is not infallible.
Use infallible Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
No forecasting method is infallible.
The public treated the expert as infallible despite her limited evidence.
Even a highly reliable test is not infallible.
Precision Matters
Infallible overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
infallible
vs.Means incapable of making an error or failing; always correct or reliable.
impeccable
Means without fault or error; meeting an exceptionally high standard.
infallible
vs.Means incapable of making an error or failing; always correct or reliable.
irreproachable
Means beyond criticism; faultless in conduct or quality.
infallible
vs.Means incapable of making an error or failing; always correct or reliable.
validate
Means support the truth, accuracy, or value of something.
infallible
vs.Means incapable of making an error or failing; always correct or reliable.
call into question
Means raise doubts about the truth, reliability, or validity of something.
Test infallible in Context
The authors reject the idea that the sensor can never fail or make an error.
1
Because every measurement technique has limits, the authors caution against treating the new sensor as ___.