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Fallibility: meaning, definitions and examples

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fallibility

 

[ fælˈɪbɪlɪti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

human nature

Fallibility refers to the tendency of humans to make mistakes or be wrong. It acknowledges that everyone has limitations and can fail in judgment or action. This concept is essential in various fields such as philosophy, psychology, and science, as it emphasizes the importance of humility and continuous improvement. Recognizing fallibility can lead to better decision-making and more robust analysis, as it fosters an open-minded approach to understanding and correcting errors.

Synonyms

fragility, imperfection, infallibility (antonym)

Examples of usage

  • Scientists acknowledge their fallibility when proposing new theories.
  • His fallibility is a reminder that no one is perfect.
  • The leader's fallibility allowed for more collaborative discussions.
  • Understanding our fallibility helps us learn from mistakes.

Translations

Translations of the word "fallibility" in other languages:

🇵🇹 falibilidade

🇮🇳 त्रुटि

🇩🇪 Fehlerhaftigkeit

🇮🇩 keterbatasan

🇺🇦 непомильність

🇵🇱 omylność

🇯🇵 誤りやすさ

🇫🇷 faillibilité

🇪🇸 falibilidad

🇹🇷 hata yapabilme

🇰🇷 실수 가능성

🇸🇦 قابل الخطأ

🇨🇿 omylność

🇸🇰 omylosť

🇨🇳 出错的可能性

🇸🇮 napakljivost

🇮🇸 villuleika

🇰🇿 қателіктерге бейімділік

🇬🇪 შეცდომების შესაძლებლობა

🇦🇿 səhv etmə potensialı

🇲🇽 falibilidad

Word origin

The term 'fallibility' is derived from the Latin word 'fallibilis', which means 'deceptive or liable to fail'. The roots 'fallere' and 'fallere' imply falling or failing. The word was introduced into English in the late 19th century, reflecting growing awareness in various disciplines of the limitations and potential errors within human reasoning and action. As societies progressed, the notion of fallibility became crucial in understanding human behavior, ethics, and the progression of knowledge. It laid the foundation for the development of critical thinking, scientific method, and psychology, promoting an acceptance of mistakes and errors as a natural part of the human experience.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,698, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.