fallible
What does "fallible" mean?
To be fallible means that a person or a system is capable of making mistakes or being wrong. It carries the mental image of a human being who is not a machine or a deity; it acknowledges that errors are a natural, expected part of the human experience. It is typically used in formal or intellectual contexts to express humility or to critique a flawed argument. You will often hear it in phrases like "human fallibility" or when someone admits that their judgment is not infallible, meaning they are open to the possibility of error.
"fallible" in conversation
Discussing a project mistake
I really thought the data was accurate.
I really thought the data was accurate.
Don't be so hard on yourself; we are all fallible.
Don't be so hard on yourself; we are all fallible.
Used to offer comfort after a mistake.
Debating a theory
Your argument assumes the witness is perfectly objective.
Your argument assumes the witness is perfectly objective.
You're right, I forgot that human memory is inherently fallible.
You're right, I forgot that human memory is inherently fallible.
Used to acknowledge a limitation in a logical argument.
"fallible" in a sentence
All humans are fallible.
All humans are fallible.
Even the most experienced experts are fallible when working under pressure.
Even the most experienced experts are fallible when working under pressure.
The judge acknowledged that his initial ruling was based on fallible evidence provided by the prosecution.
The judge acknowledged that his initial ruling was based on fallible evidence provided by the prosecution.
