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 The next month, Nicki Nicole, the Argentinian singer Pluma had introduced as his girlfriend, shared a post alluding to their breakup over infidelity rumors, according to People. Angie Orellana Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2024 Even dramatic tropes like infidelity feel organically incorporated. Alison Herman, Variety, 14 Mar. 2024 In the absence of other information, speculation has run rampant from serious surgery complications to divorce (over William’s rumored infidelity). Elizabeth Lopatto, The Verge, 13 Mar. 2024 After the child fell asleep, Colin-Gomez asked her to speak with him in the kitchen and allegedly accused her of infidelity, according to a police report cited by KRON 4. Samira Asma-Sadeque, Peoplemag, 26 Feb. 2024 Hilary’s chic and charmed exterior belies the painful reality of her husband’s infidelity, her ambivalence about becoming a mother, and the generational trauma passed down by her parents. Rebecca Sun, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Feb. 2024 Now, not only do suspicions of her potential infidelity linger, but the idea of maintaining our remaining friendship seems increasingly challenging. Harriette Cole, The Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2024 That October, a source told PEOPLE that Smart's infidelity is what prompted Lopez to call it quits. Lydia Price, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024 The scathing and specific lyrics about infidelity were widely thought to refer to her husband Jay-Z, which shone a new light on a partnership between two stratospherically successful artists. Aj Willingham, CNN, 20 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'infidelity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 28 Mar. 2024.

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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