Word
infraction
Phoneticsin·frac·tion, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪnˈfɹækʃən/
UK/ɪnfɹˈækʃən/
Definition
n. a small crime or a rule that someone has broken. It is usually a less serious problem than a major crime.
n. a violation of a law, rule, or regulation, typically one that is minor in nature.
Examples
“The driver received a fine for a minor traffic infraction.”
“The school principal warned the student that repeated infractions of the dress code would result in a suspension.”
“While the individual acts were minor infractions of the local ordinances, the cumulative effect of such behavior across the neighborhood led to a formal investigation by the city council.”
Examples
simple
“The driver received a fine for a minor traffic infraction.”
contextual
“The school principal warned the student that repeated infractions of the dress code would result in a suspension.”
complex
“While the individual acts were minor infractions of the local ordinances, the cumulative effect of such behavior across the neighborhood led to a formal investigation by the city council.”
Real-World Examples
“Efforts to restrict immigration, deport foreign nationals and crack down on civil immigration infractions have become a hallmark of Trump’s second term.” “But if the issue involves complaints from multiple residents for a problem neighbour, the city can step in, especially if it involves a by-law infraction.” Etymology
From Middle French infraction, from Latin infractio, from infractum, past participle of infringere, from in (“in”) + frangere (“to break”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/infraction