fallible

adjective

fal·​li·​ble ˈfa-lə-bəl 

1

: liable to be erroneous

a fallible generalization

2

: capable of making a mistake

we're all fallible

fallibly

ˈfa-lə-blē 

adverb

Did you know?

“Humanum est errare” is a Latin expression that translates as “To err is human.” Of course, cynics might say that it is also human to deceive. The history of the word fallible simultaneously recognizes both of these character flaws. In modern usage, fallible refers to one’s ability to make mistakes, but it descends from the Latin verb fallere, which means “to deceive.” Fallible has been used to describe the potential for error since at least the 15th century. Other descendants of fallere in English, all of which actually predate fallible, include fallacy (the earliest, now obsolete, meaning was “guile, trickery”), fault, false, and even fjail. Whoops, we mean fail.

Examples of fallible in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The film is imbued with hope and cynicism, showing a mythic hero who is also fallible. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 8 July 2026

The body is a fallible thing, after all, and the mind…But mine had never been so. — Literary Hub, 15 June 2026

But as long as we fallible humans remain in charge, a degree of vigilance against potential barriers to minority voting is important. — Stephen L. Carter, Twin Cities, 8 May 2026

Massie's legacy points toward victory, expert says Polls can be fallible. — Jolene Almendarez, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin fallibilis, from Latin fallere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for fallible

• infallible

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Kids Definition

fallible

adjective

fal·​li·​ble ˈfal-ə-bəl 

: capable of making a mistake or being wrong

fallibility

ˌfal-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē

noun

fallibly

ˈfal-ə-blē 

adverb