Fallible – Definition and Part of Speech
The word fallible is an adjective that describes a person or thing capable of making mistakes or being erroneous. It emphasizes human imperfection and acknowledges that errors are possible. The concept encapsulates both fallibility in actions and judgments.
Core Synonyms (Table Format)
Below is a table presenting the main synonyms for “fallible,” along with their nuances, example sentences, and typical usage styles.
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erroneous | Incorrect or wrong; often implies factual mistakes | “His reasoning was erroneous due to a lack of evidence.” | Formal/Academic |
| Mistakable | Susceptible to making errors | “In such complex situations, even experts are mistakable.” | Informal/General |
| Imperfect | Flawed or incomplete; often broader than just error-making | “Art is an expression of the artist’s imperfections and emotions.” | Creative/Casual |
| Infallible | Not subject to error (antonym) | “The notion that a machine could be infallible overlooks potential human oversight in its design.” | Formal/Contrastive |
| Erratic | Unpredictable or inconsistent, implying unreliability | “The weather pattern has been erratic, making forecasts difficult.” | Informal/Casual |
Usage Notes
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Erroneous: Best used in formal and academic contexts where the emphasis is on factual mistakes. For instance, in business reports, one might refer to a “erroneous calculation” that affected financial projections.
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Mistakable: A more general term suitable for casual conversation or informal writing. It conveys susceptibility without harshness. In a business meeting, you could say, “We are all mistakable,” fostering an open atmosphere where errors are acknowledged as learning opportunities.
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Imperfect: Often found in creative or philosophical discussions. This synonym is broader and can be used to highlight human flaws beyond mere error-making, such as discussing the imperfection of characters in a novel.
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Infallible (as contrast): While not a direct synonym for “fallible,” it’s important to recognize its role as an antonym. It highlights situations where one might erroneously assume perfection, useful in discussions critiquing overconfidence or blind faith.
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Erratic: More about unpredictability than making errors per se. It’s common in describing systems or behaviors that are inconsistent rather than inherently wrong, like “erratic service” in a business complaint letter.
Common Pitfalls (Optional)
One common mistake is to use infallible as if it were synonymous with “fallible,” not recognizing its opposite meaning. Additionally, “imperfect” can be confused with “erroneous,” though the former has broader implications beyond just making mistakes.
Final Recap
The primary synonyms for “fallible” include “erroneous,” “mistakable,” “imperfect,” and “erratic.” Each carries its own nuances, from factual errors to broader human imperfection or inconsistency. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right synonym for varying contexts—whether formal writing, casual conversation, or creative expression.
To practice, try using these synonyms in your daily conversations or when crafting essays. This will enhance both your vocabulary and your ability to convey precise meanings tailored to different audiences.