infallibility

[ in-fal-uh-bil-i-tee ]

noun

1. Sometimes in·fal·li·ble·ness []. the quality of being infallible, or of being absolutely trustworthy:

   He believed in the infallibility of his leadership.

2. Roman Catholic Church. immunity from fallacy or liability to error in expounding matters of faith or morals by virtue of the promise made by Christ to the Church:

   papal infallibility.

Other Words From

• non·in·fal·li·bil·i·ty noun
• non·in·fal·li·ble·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of infallibility¹

infallible + -ity

Example Sentences

North Korea is the world's most isolated country, a state based around the infallibility of Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un and a deep suspicion of the outside world.

From BBC

One of the benefits originalism’s evangelists often tout is its putative infallibility: By considering only evidence from the time of a provision’s enactment, adherents are uniquely able to set aside their personal beliefs when tackling even the hardest legal questions that come before them.

From Slate

Of all the fine casting choices this season, Jon Hamm may be the savviest, because memories of “Mad Men” have us trusting in his relative infallibility on the job, even if his Don Draper proves dramatically less certain off the clock.

From New York Times

Compare that tone to the self-certainty on display from some of the members of the highest court in the land, who, when caught out in self-dealing and dishonesty, reject any effort to rein them in and persist in declaiming their own infallibility.

From Slate

Lavish world cruises, secret deals with moneyed donors, threats to step down unless someone ponied up with a pay raise, fishing trips with parties who have business before the court, an amicus brief industrial complex wholly bought and paid for by billionaire donations, leaked drafts, and secret speeches are not the stuff of constitutional democracy, or infallibility, or finality.

From Slate