infallible
What does "infallible" mean?
The word "infallible" describes someone or something that is incapable of making mistakes, failing, or being wrong. Imagine a master craftsman whose hands never slip or a logical system that is mathematically perfect; that is the essence of infallibility. In usage, it is often applied to people in positions of authority or to beliefs that are held as absolute truths. Because it implies perfection, it is frequently used in a slightly skeptical or ironic way, as humans rarely possess the quality of being truly infallible.
"infallible" in conversation
Debating a theory
Do you really think this strategy is infallible?
Do you really think this strategy is infallible?
Well, it hasn't failed once in ten years of testing.
Well, it hasn't failed once in ten years of testing.
Used here to challenge the absolute reliability of a plan.
Discussing memory
I could have sworn I left my keys on the counter.
I could have sworn I left my keys on the counter.
Your memory isn't exactly infallible, Sarah!
Your memory isn't exactly infallible, Sarah!
A common, slightly playful way to point out that someone is mistaken.
"infallible" in a sentence
Even the best experts are not infallible.
Even the best experts are not infallible.
She possessed an almost infallible intuition for market trends.
She possessed an almost infallible intuition for market trends.
The software was marketed as an infallible solution to data encryption, yet it was hacked within a week.
The software was marketed as an infallible solution to data encryption, yet it was hacked within a week.
