impeccable

impeccable — adjective

1. so free of errors, flaws, or weak points that it cannot be criticized in any way

1.adjectiveB2
Definition

so free of errors, flaws, or weak points that it cannot be criticized in any way

Example

Amihan's impeccable manners won over her new classmates on the first day.

impeccable + noun (attributive use: impeccable manners)

The garden was kept in impeccable condition by the elderly couple next door.

Common collocations
  • impeccable manners
  • impeccable taste
  • impeccable service
  • impeccable record
  • impeccable timing
  • impeccable credentials
Synonyms
  • flawless

    equally strong; more common for describing physical objects or appearance

  • faultless

    very similar; often used for performance, technique, or logic

  • perfect

    broader and more subjective; less formal in everyday speech

  • spotless

    more informal; used literally for cleanliness or metaphorically for reputation

Antonyms
  • flawed

    containing clear faults or mistakes

  • imperfect

    having errors or weaknesses

Grammar Patterns

be impeccable

impeccable + noun

Usage Note

Frequently used attributively before a noun (impeccable manners, impeccable timing) or predicatively after be/keep/maintain. Cannot directly describe a person — always describes their qualities, work, behavior, or performance.

Common Mistakes

She is impeccable.
Her manners are impeccable.
'impeccable' describes qualities or performance, not a person directly.
The food tasted impeccable.
The food was prepared with impeccable skill.
'impeccable' is not used with sensory verbs like taste or feel; it describes a quality standard.

Word family

  • impeccably
    adverbB2
  • impeccability
    nounC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All four words describe something with no faults, but they differ in range and register. 'Flawless' is the closest synonym and works well for physical objects (a flawless diamond) and performances. 'Faultless' emphasizes technical correctness and is common for reasoning or execution. 'Perfect' is the most general and subjective — a perfect day may not be objectively flawless. 'Spotless' is the most informal and often literal (a spotless kitchen) or metaphorical for an untarnished record. In formal writing, 'impeccable' carries a nuance of excellence beyond mere correctness: impeccable manners aren't just correct but admirably polished.

flawless ↗faultlessperfect ↗spotless

Common collocations

Phrases

  • keep something impeccable
  • maintain something impeccable

Prepositions

  • impeccable in

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

From Latin 'impeccabilis' — 'im-' (not) + 'peccare' (to sin). Originally a theological term in the 15th century meaning 'incapable of sinning,' the word broadened in the 1700s to mean 'flawless' in everyday, non-religious use. French passed the word into English during the early modern period.