impeccable

adjective

im·pec·ca·ble (ˌ)im-ˈpe-kə-bəl

: free from fault or blame : flawless

spoke impeccable French

: 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 derives from the Latin word impeccabilis, a combination of the Latin prefix in-, meaning "not," and the verb peccare, meaning "to sin." Peccare has other descendants in English. There is peccadillo, meaning "a slight offense," and peccant, meaning "guilty of a moral offense" or simply "faulty." There is also peccavi, which comes from Latin, where it literally means "I have sinned"; in English the word functions as a noun meaning "an acknowledgment of sin."

Example Sentences

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 But the film’s winsome disposition also owes largely to leading lady Kaitlyn Dever, who makes a feisty dish out of Rosaline’s sarcasm and independent personality with impeccable comic timing.

Tomris Laffly, Variety, 11 Oct. 2022 Her typical role, that of a ditzy charmer with impeccable comedic timing, differentiated her from contemporaries like Elizabeth Taylor, Doris Day and Audrey Hepburn, whose personas represented different kinds of femininity.

Grant Wong, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Sep. 2022 With impeccable timing, the Heritage Foundation is launching a new ranking of educational freedom among the states.

James Freeman, WSJ, 8 Sep. 2022 His James Bond image, burnished by his matinee-idol looks, impeccable slim-cut suits and mysterious, press-shy air, also did him no favors in the Vatican.

Gerald Posner, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2021 Think of Cruella de Vil and her Dalmatian-print coats; Miranda Priestley and her impeccable Prada suits; even Regina George and her Y2K-style miniskirts and graphic tees.

Christian Allaire, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2021 Proper Hotels are known for impeccable design and state-of-the-art amenities, making this Austin location perfect for a luxurious stay.

Ariana Yaptangco, ELLE, 14 Oct. 2022 In a market generally defined by boring hunks of plastic, Apple gained an edge through impeccable design that was actually less functional than most of the competition.

Damon Beres, The Atlantic, 8 Sep. 2022 Inside, the turnkey home is outfitted with state-of-the-art furniture and impeccable design.

Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'impeccable.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.