infidelity

noun

in·​fi·​del·​i·​ty ˌin-fə-ˈde-lə-tē How to pronounce infidelity (audio)
-(ˌ)fī-
plural infidelities
1
a
: the act or fact of having a romantic or sexual relationship with someone other than one's husband, wife, or partner
b
: unfaithfulness to a moral obligation : disloyalty
2
: lack of belief in a religion

Examples of infidelity in a Sentence

She was convinced that her husband was guilty of infidelity. He has admitted to a number of marital infidelities.
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.
The most shocking moment comes when Contessa accuses Dr. Damon of infidelity and fathering mixed-race children—a claim the other ladies quickly shut down. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 23 Dec. 2024 Newlywed Taking $50K From Parents For Wedding But Eloping Instead Cheered By Lydia Patrick Life & Trends Reporter 0 A woman discovered her partner's infidelity with their next door neighbor 16 years his junior, which led to an affair child—and the internet has rallied in support. Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024 The backdrop to this viscerally low moment was the infidelity of and subsequent breakup with John’s manager and first love, John Reid. Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2024 Power imbalance, psychological manipulation, and/or infidelity are commonly at play. Laura Ramadei, Los Angeles Times, 25 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for infidelity 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English infidelite, borrowed from Middle French infidelité, borrowed from Latin infidēlitāt-, infidēlitās "faithlessness, inconstancy," from infidēlis "unfaithful, disloyal" + -itāt-, -itās -ity — more at infidel entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of infidelity was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near infidelity

Cite this Entry

“Infidelity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infidelity. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

infidelity

noun
in·​fi·​del·​i·​ty ˌin-fə-ˈdel-ət-ē How to pronounce infidelity (audio)
-(ˌ)fī-
plural infidelities
1
: lack of faith in a religion
2
: unfaithfulness especially to one's husband or wife

More from Merriam-Webster on infidelity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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