Understanding Vocabulary: Incapable of Failure or Error

The question asks us to select a single word that means the same as the phrase "Incapable of failure or error". This is a common type of vocabulary question that tests your knowledge of precise word meanings.

Analyzing the Phrase: Incapable of Failure or Error

The phrase describes something or someone that cannot fail and cannot make mistakes. We need to find a single word that captures this exact meaning.

Evaluating the Options

Let's look at the meanings of the given options:

• Incorrigible: This word is used to describe a person or their behaviour that cannot be corrected, improved, or reformed. For example, an incorrigible optimist is someone whose optimism cannot be changed. It relates to being beyond correction, not necessarily incapable of making errors or failing in general.
• Incurable: This word means something that cannot be cured or healed, especially a disease. It refers specifically to health or problems that cannot be remedied medically. It does not relate to the ability to fail or make errors in a general sense.
• Infallible: This word means incapable of making mistakes or being wrong. It also means never failing; always effective. This definition perfectly matches the given phrase "Incapable of failure or error".
• Irredeemable: This word describes something that cannot be saved, improved, or corrected. It is often used for things that are too bad to be saved or made acceptable again, like an irredeemable mistake or debt. Like 'incorrigible', it implies being beyond remedy or salvation, but not necessarily incapable of failing or making an error in the first place.

Comparing the Options and Identifying the Correct Word

Based on the definitions, the word that means "Incapable of failure or error" is Infallible.

The definition of Infallible directly aligns with the meaning of being "Incapable of failure or error".

Conclusion

Therefore, the word that means the same as "Incapable of failure or error" is Infallible.

Revision Table: Key Vocabulary Meanings

Additional Information: Understanding Negative Prefixes

Many words in English are formed by adding prefixes that change their meaning. In this question, all the options start with the prefix 'in-' or 'ir-'. These prefixes often indicate negation or the opposite of the root word's meaning.

• 'In-' and 'Im-' (used before 'b', 'm', 'p') mean 'not' or 'without' (e.g., inactive, impossible, imperfect).
• 'Il-' (used before 'l') means 'not' (e.g., illegal).
• 'Ir-' (used before 'r') means 'not' (e.g., irregular).

Understanding these common prefixes can help you deduce the meaning of unfamiliar words in vocabulary questions, especially those involving negative meanings like 'incapable' or 'without'. For example, 'infallible' comes from 'fallible', meaning capable of making mistakes. 'In-' negates this, meaning 'not capable of making mistakes'.