Word
infidelity
Phoneticsin·fi·deli·ty
US/ˌɪnfɪˈdɛɫɪti/
UK/ˌɪnfɪdˈɛlɪti/
Definitions
01romantic unfaithfulness
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Formal
n. the act of having a secret romantic or sexual relationship with someone who is not your husband, wife, or partner.
n. the state or instance of being unfaithful to a spouse or sexual partner. Often used as a formal synonym for 'cheating' or 'adultery'.
“Their marriage ended after he discovered her infidelity with a coworker.”
“The therapist noted that emotional infidelity can be just as damaging to a long-term relationship as physical betrayal.”
Usage
Often takes the preposition 'to' (infidelity to one's spouse) or 'with' (infidelity with a stranger).
Teaching tip
While 'cheating' is common in conversation, 'infidelity' is the standard term in psychological, legal, or formal writing.
Antonyms
02lack of religious belief
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Religion Archaic · Formal
n. a lack of religious faith or belief in a particular religion.
n. a lack of religious belief or the rejection of a specific faith. This sense is largely restricted to historical or theological texts.
Español:infidelidad
“In the old book, the character was punished for his infidelity toward the church.”
“The 18th-century pamphlet was a scathing critique of the growing infidelity and secularism among the urban population.”
Teaching tip
Modern speakers almost exclusively use this word for relationships; using it for religion may sound like a quote from a historical text.
03breach of duty
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Formal · Literary
n. not being loyal to a duty, a promise, or a set of rules.
n. a failure to remain faithful to a specific duty, obligation, or principle.
“The soldier was accused of infidelity to his country after sharing secrets.”
“The board of directors viewed the CEO's secret meetings with competitors as a grave infidelity to the company's interests.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Parton’s lyrics contrast the man’s thin lies about “going on fishing trips” with her suspicion of his infidelities.” “A pop star writes a song accusing her husband of infidelity.” Etymology
From Middle English infidelite, from Middle French infidelité (modern French infidélité) and its etymon Latin īnfidēlitās. Equivalent to infidel + -ity.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/infidelity
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0