infraction

USAGE SUMMARY

"infraction" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used to refer to an act which is a violation of a law or rule, such as a criminal offense commited or a breach of contract. For example: "He had to pay a hefty fine for his infraction of the noise ordinance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Similarly, every health infraction – such as a hen or stag night, Saturday night takeaway or Netflix movie marathon on the sofa – could increase your health premium.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, a new law makes possession of less than an ounce merely an infraction, rather like a traffic ticket.

The Economist

The first incident draws a warning; subsequent flops attract fines that start at $5,000 and rise to $30,000 for the fifth infraction, with suspensions kicking in after that.

The Economist

It received a similar bill in 2005, which it disputed successfully.Such infraction notices include interest and a penalty of 75%, or 150% if fraud is suspected.

The Economist

Indulging is already unlikely to lead to prison in California a recently-passed law will, from next year, treat limited possession as an infraction, the equivalent of a speeding ticket.

The Economist

I hate to think how his community-service obligations would have multiplied had he received a ticket for a second infraction.

The Economist

Massachusetts voters decided to downgrade possession of less than an ounce of cannabis to an infraction, punishable by a mere $100 fine.

The Economist

But until Alexander Solzhenitsyn had spent eight years there, laying bricks and smelting metal in the intensest heat and cold, hearing fellow-inmates, like rats, stealing his food in the dark, wearing wrist-crushing handcuffs for the least infraction, this land was not fully revealed to the outside world.

The Economist

The European Commission has already served his government with an infraction notice in connection with a Latvian senior citizen's claim to a means-tested pension.

The Economist

Although plenty of countries (and 15 American states) have decriminalised cannabis possession, in many cases treating it as no worse than a traffic infraction, nowhere has fully legalised its supply.

The Economist

Line, he wrote, is "an infraction of liberty"; mass, on the other hand, represented freedom.Unfortunately, there was scarcely world enough or time to carry through his objectives.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the word "infraction", ensure that the context clearly indicates the specific rule or law being violated. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "infraction" when referring to major crimes or felonies. "Infraction" typically describes minor violations. For more severe offenses, consider using terms like "felony", "crime", or "transgression".

Linguistic Context

The word "infraction" functions primarily as a noun, referring to an act that violates a rule or law. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is correct and usable in written English. Its usage in the examples Ludwig provides shows it designating an offense.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "infraction" is a noun used to describe a violation of a rule or law, typically a minor one. According to Ludwig AI, the word is grammatically correct and widely used in written English. It appears frequently in news, encyclopedias, and formal business contexts, denoting offenses across legal, sports, and general regulatory frameworks. While alternatives like "violation of rules" and "breach of regulations" exist, "infraction" offers a specific nuance, often implying a less severe offense than "violation". Therefore, understanding its precise meaning and typical usage helps ensure clarity and accuracy in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

violation of rules

Focuses specifically on the act of breaking established rules or regulations.

breach of regulations

Similar to "violation of rules", but emphasizes the legal or formal nature of the rules broken.

infringement

Highlights the encroachment upon someone else's rights or property.

transgression

Implies a more serious violation, often of moral or ethical principles.

contravention

A formal term for acting against a law or regulation.

misdemeanor

Refers specifically to a minor legal offense.

noncompliance

Emphasizes the failure to adhere to a specific requirement or directive.

offense

A general term for any type of wrongdoing or violation.

lapse

Suggests a temporary or unintentional failure to adhere to standards.

dereliction

Implies a neglect of duty or responsibility.

FAQs

How to use "infraction" in a sentence?

"Infraction" is used to describe a violation of a rule or law. For example, "He received a ticket for a traffic infraction".

What can I say instead of "infraction"?

You can use alternatives like "violation of rules", "breach of regulations", or "misdemeanor" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "infraction" or "violation"?

Both "infraction" and "violation" can be correct, but "infraction" often implies a less serious offense than "violation". The best choice depends on the severity of the breach.

What's the difference between "infraction" and "felony"?

An "infraction" is a minor offense, while a "felony" is a serious crime. The consequences for a felony are much more severe than for an infraction.