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Synonyms

impeccable

American  
[im-pek-uh-buhl] / ɪmˈpɛk ə bəl /

adjective

  1. faultless; flawless; irreproachable.

    impeccable manners.

    Synonyms:
    unexceptionable, unassailable
  2. not liable to sin; incapable of sin.


impeccable British  
/ ɪmˈpɛkəbəl /

adjective

  1. without flaw or error; faultless

    an impeccable record

  2. rare incapable of sinning

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of impeccable

First recorded in 1525–35, impeccable is from the Latin word impeccābilis “faultless, sinless”; see im- 2, peccable

Explanation

The adjective impeccable describes something or someone without any flaws. A stand-up comedian needs impeccable timing for her jokes to work. The adjective impeccable refers to something or someone without marking or error — but it can describe something spotless or clean. The word comes from the Latin impeccabilis, "to be sinless," which is also an outdated sense in English. You can see how "clean" comes from "sinless." Because of the messy nature of picnic food, it is highly unlikely that you would leave with your clothing still as impeccable as when you arrived, especially if you like lots of mustard and ketchup!

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

MCA's website states: "Impeccable pupil behaviour is achieved because our expectations are communicated clearly and regularly. There is no ambiguity regarding our expectations and our pupils feel safe."

From BBC • Dec. 13, 2024

Impeccable but mechanical, they danced as if posing for a camera or for the watchful eyes of competition judges — understandably given their training so far.

From New York Times • Sep. 25, 2022

Impeccable service, full bar and views of Banderas Bay along Playa Punta de Mita.

From Washington Post • Apr. 28, 2022

“How about Bob Newhart? Oh, my God, I love that man. Impeccable timing. Just the best — so funny.”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 23, 2019

Impeccable, im-pek′a-bl, adj. not liable to error or to sin.—ns.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 2 of 4: E-M) by Various

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