impeccable

adjective

im·​pec·​ca·​ble (ˌ)im-ˈpe-kə-bəl 

1

: free from fault or blame : flawless

spoke impeccable French

2

: not capable of sinning or liable to sin

impeccability

(ˌ)im-ˌpe-kə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

impeccably

(ˌ)im-ˈpe-kə-blē 

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."

Synonyms

• absolute
• faultless
• flawless
• ideal
• immaculate
• indefectible
• irreproachable
• letter-perfect
• perfect
• picture-book
• picture-perfect
• seamless
• unblemished

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

Known for his impeccable sense of style, he is frequently seen wearing this timepiece with everything from jeans to a black tie. —Sophie Furley, Robb Report, 23 Nov. 2024

Enacting a Professional Fire Watch with Fast Fire Watch Guards With impeccable organization skills and efficient procedures, the Fast Fire Watch Guards operation is a masterclass in professional fire safety. —Kyle Russell, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024

Service is impeccable and attentive, and the staff clearly takes pride in their guests’ enjoyment. —Pat Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 20 Nov. 2024

Not every hotel bar tenders its stools the same; at these seven spots, with their impeccable vibes and thoughtful menus, having a good time is all but guaranteed. —Catherine Garcia, theweek, 14 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin impeccabilis, from in- + peccare to sin

First Known Use

1531, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

Kids Definition

impeccable

adjective

im·​pec·​ca·​ble (ˈ)im-ˈpek-ə-bəl 

: free from fault or blame

impeccability

(ˌ)im-ˌpek-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

impeccably

(ˈ)im-ˈpek-ə-blē 

adverb