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fallible

Capable of making mistakes or being erroneous.
Adjective
comp: more falliblesup: most fallible

It describes the inherent possibility of error. Unlike 'wrong' (which is a state) or 'incorrect' (which is a result), 'fallible' refers to a permanent capacity or vulnerability to failure.

It often carries a humbling, humanizing tone. It is frequently used in philosophical or professional contexts to remind people that no matter how expert someone is, they are still subject to human limitation.

While it describes the ability to fail, it is generally neutral rather than negative. To call someone fallible is not necessarily an insult; it is often a statement of fact about the nature of being human.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon in a quiet office breakroom.
Jessica

You messed up the spreadsheet again. How do you keep slipping up?

You messed up the spreadsheet again. How do you keep slipping up?

Jessica
Mark
Mark

Chill, Jess. We're all fallible, right?

Chill, Jess. We're all fallible, right?

Meanings

Adjective

Capable of making mistakes or being erroneous.

Even the most experienced scientists are fallible and can overlook critical details.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin fallibilis, which is formed from fallere meaning to deceive or cause to fail, combined with the suffix -ibilis indicating capacity. It entered English in the 16th century to describe the inherent human tendency toward error.

Related Words

Last Updated: June 26, 2026Report an Error