impeccable

adjective

im·​pec·​ca·​ble (ˌ)im-ˈpe-kə-bəl How to pronounce impeccable (audio)
1
: free from fault or blame : flawless
spoke impeccable French
2
: not capable of sinning or liable to sin
impeccability noun
impeccably adverb

Did you know?

The word impeccable has been used in English since the 16th century. It comes from the Latin word impeccabilis, a combination of the Latin prefix in-, meaning "not," and the verb peccare, meaning "to sin." Its original meaning hewed close to its root: impeccable meant "not capable of sinning or liable to sin." (It has a rare but pleasingly logical antonym in peccable, meaning "liable or prone to sin.") Peccare has other descendants in English: there is the noun peccadillo, ("a slight offense"), adjective peccant ("guilty of a moral offense" or simply "faulty"), and the noun peccavi, which in Latin literally means "I have sinned" but in English refers to an acknowledgment of sin. Nowadays, impeccable is more commonly used in the secular sense to mean "flawless," as in "impeccable taste in music" or "their craftsmanship is impeccable."

Examples of impeccable in a Sentence

Grandfather found a reason to slip in every five minutes. The empty soda cans had to be removed, the bowl of potato chips refreshed. He was sure that he moved unnoticed, like an impeccable waiter of the old school … Darryl Pinckney, High Cotton, 1992
His English was impeccable but halting, like a well-tooled but slightly rusted machine. John Updike, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 1987
In order to ensure that at least one verifiable Spaniard participate in this critical venture, Mendoza asked Bishop Zumárraga to nominate as second-in-command a younger friar with impeccable credentials, and the cleric selected a Fransiscan in whom he had great faith … James A. Michener, Texas, 1985
She has impeccable taste in music. the etiquette expert was celebrated for her absolutely impeccable manners
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Related Articles As anyone with short hair will know, a meticulous cut and impeccable styling is key to pulling off the style with aplomb. Ashley Davis, WWD, 6 Jan. 2025 But the real perks of staying at a ryokan are the impeccable hospitality (omotenashi), multicourse kaiseki dinner (and ensuing breakfast spread) that’s typically built into room rates, and, not always but sometimes, access to a nearby or on-site onsen (hot spring). Christina Liao, Vogue, 3 Jan. 2025 Known for his fiery passion and impeccable standards, Ramsay has partnered with HexClad to create a beautiful, durable line of cookware. Christopher Murray, Fox News, 30 Dec. 2024 Meanwhile, in the girls varsity 400, which preceded the New Balance-centric events, Dennis-Yarmouth’s Breanna Braham was able to continue her impeccable career with an impressive mark of 56.68 seconds. Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 28 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for impeccable 

Word History

Etymology

Latin impeccabilis, from in- + peccare to sin

First Known Use

1531, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of impeccable was in 1531

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Dictionary Entries Near impeccable

Cite this Entry

“Impeccable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impeccable. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

impeccable

adjective
im·​pec·​ca·​ble (ˈ)im-ˈpek-ə-bəl How to pronounce impeccable (audio)
: free from fault or blame
impeccability noun
impeccably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on impeccable

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