fallible

UK: ˈfæləb(ə)l | US: ˈfæləb(ə)l

Definition

  1. adj. capable of making mistakes or being erroneous

  2. adj. susceptible to deception or misjudgment

Structure
fall <deceive, err>ible <capable of>
Etymology

fallible = fall<deceive, err> + ible<capable of>

  • fall (from Latin fallere, meaning "to deceive, err")
  • ible (suffix from Latin -ibilis, indicating capacity or susceptibility)

Etymology Origin:
Derived from Late Latin fallibilis, the word combines fallere (to deceive/err) with -ibilis (capable of). Originally used in theological contexts to describe human susceptibility to error, it later broadened to general use. The root fall- also appears in words like false and fallacy, reinforcing the theme of deception or mistake.

Examples

  1. Humans are fallible, so even experts can make errors.

  2. The witness's testimony was deemed fallible due to inconsistencies.

  3. No system is entirely fallible, but redundancy reduces risks.

  4. Her fallible memory led to a misunderstanding.

  5. The algorithm was designed to correct for fallible inputs.