a fallible system

USAGE SUMMARY

"a fallible system" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing systems that are prone to errors or mistakes. For example: "The software is a fallible system that requires regular updates." Alternative expressions include "an imperfect system" and "a flawed system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"This is a fallible system," said Lee C. Vermeulen, a pharmacist and the director of the Center for Drug Policy at the University of Wisconsin's hospital and clinics, which banned drug samples in April.

The New York Times

Kitze recognizes that Internet security is a fallible system, though.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

And even in the best-case scenario - where every word of every submission is read - it is a deeply fallible system.

The Guardian - Books

He said that in the eight years since Congress passed the Federal Death Penalty Act, studies had demonstrated that a fallible legal system produces far more unjust outcomes than was previously realized.

The New York Times

For such certainty to exist, he added, "You have to take the position that this very fallible system has worked flawlessly".

The New York Times

In the fallible system of communication and playback, something was expressed about the profound nature of the way that memory, experience and desire could find a conscious and material manifestation.

The Guardian

A better understanding of the factors that contribute to the continued use of fallible systems is required and the input of all participants will be needed if sustainable improvement is to be introduced.

BMJ Quality and Safety

The supporting logic was the same in aviation as it was in other fields: humans are highly fallible; systems, much less so.

The New Yorker

That has left both UN agencies and NGOs to rely on far more fallible systems, to draw on methodologies open to error, bias and manipulation.

The Guardian

This approach assumes that since humans are fallible, systems must be designed to prevent humans from making errors or to be tolerant to those errors.

British Journal of Anaesthesia

Here again, good and decent people are caught up in fallible systems: the caseworkers, psychiatrists and judges filmed all mean to serve their population well, and yet the outcome for mentally ill prisoners remains incredibly bleak.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

This phrase is particularly effective in discussions about justice, technology and human-centric processes where perfection is unattainable

Common error

Do not use "a fallible system" if the system has already ceased to function entirely. Fallibility refers to the capacity to make mistakes while still operational, whereas a "broken system" or a "failed system" implies it no longer works at all

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fallible system" serves as a noun phrase consisting of a determiner, an adjective, and a noun. In sentences, it typically functions as a subject or a direct object to categorize a structure as being subject to error. Ludwig AI confirms its use in defining the limitations of everything from legal frameworks to pharmaceutical policies.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "a fallible system" is a precise and high-register expression used to describe structures that, by their nature or because of human involvement, are prone to making mistakes. Ludwig AI illustrates that while the phrase itself is relatively Rare in terms of exact matches, its components and variations are deeply embedded in authoritative discourse regarding justice, medicine, and technology. It serves as a vital tool for writers who wish to acknowledge the inherent limitations of a process without necessarily suggesting that the process should be abandoned. Using alternatives like "an imperfect system" can soften the tone, but "a fallible system" remains the most effective choice for serious, analytical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an imperfect system

Provides a more general and less formal evaluation of limitations

a flawed system

Stronger emphasis on specific defects or errors in design

an error-prone system

Focuses specifically on the frequency and likelihood of mistakes

a vulnerable system

Shifts the focus toward susceptibility to external or internal threats

an unreliable system

Emphasizes the lack of consistency in performance over time

a non-infallible system

A direct negation of perfection, often used in formal logic or theology

a suspect system

Implies a lack of trust or a questionable foundation for the system

a deficient system

Suggests the system lacks necessary components for full functionality

a fragile system

Highlights the likelihood of total failure when stressed

a weak system

A simpler, more colloquial way to describe poor structural integrity

FAQs

How to use "a fallible system" in a sentence?

You can use it as a descriptor for any organization or process, for example: "Despite the high-tech updates, it remains "a fallible system" because it relies on human input".

What can I say instead of "a fallible system"?

Depending on your tone, you might choose "an imperfect system" for general use or "an error-prone system" to emphasize frequent mistakes.

Is "a fallible system" more formal than "a flawed system"?

Yes, "a fallible system" often appears in philosophical, academic or high-level journalistic contexts, whereas "a flawed system" is more common in everyday criticism.

What is the difference between "a fallible system" and "an imperfect system"?

While similar, "an imperfect system" simply means it isn't 100% ideal, while "a fallible system" specifically implies the system is capable of being wrong or making errors.