infringement

USAGE SUMMARY

The word infringement is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe a situation in which someone has broken or violated a law or a set of rules. For example: "The company was found guilty of copyright infringement for illegally using another company's designs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the early 2000s, pharmaceutical companies were high on activists' hit lists, prompted by Big Pharma's ill-advised attempt to sue the South African government for patent infringement on HIV drugs; an attempt to deal with the country's epidemic by allowing cheaper, generic copies to be sold.

The Guardian

The third issue the EFF is concerned with is that of intermediary liability, which burdens ISPs and websites with stricter copyright infringement laws in a way that is veiled censorship, cautions Sutton.

The Guardian - Business

TPP has provisions that make it a crime to break these locks, and to do things that aren't even copyright infringement.

The Guardian - Business

Internationally, their fate was seen as an infringement of the right to free speech.

The Guardian

Its launch in India, one of the world's largest emerging smartphone markets, was plagued with issues around patent infringement that resulted in it being banned from selling in the country.

The Guardian - Tech

According to the law, the agency can fine a violating organisation up to 300,000 roubles (£3,850); a second infringement can incur a fine of up to 500,000 roubles or a suspension of its operations for up to 30 days.

The Guardian

But the referee, Steven McLean, and goal-line assistant Alan Muir, who was five yards away, failed to spot the infringement and Inverness went on to win 3-2 afthrillingilling 120 minutes at Hampden.

The Guardian - Sport

They peppered Solicitor General Donald Verrilli with deeply conservative concerns, such as whether the law's "individual mandate" reworks the fundamental "relation of the individual to the government" (per Justice Kennedy); and that, while perhaps "necessary", the mandate is not "proper" (per Justice Scalia) – because of its infringement of individual liberty.

The Guardian - Opinion

Xiaomi has struggled to sell its devices outside China, facing bans in the key emerging market of India due to challenges from Ericsson over patent infringement.

The Guardian - Tech

Now I know what most of you are thinking, and no doubt it runs something like: "Copyright infringement is a tricky issue that sh- … wow, that Princess Machine advert looks pretty cool!

The Guardian - Music

But Swartz wasn't just charged with copyright infringement.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal matters, use "infringement" to specifically denote a violation of rights, laws, or agreements for clarity and precision.

Common error

Don't use "infringement" interchangeably with general terms like "problem" or "issue". "Infringement" should only be used when there's a specific violation of a rule, law, or right.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "infringement" is that of a noun. It typically acts as the subject or object in a sentence, referring to the act of violating a law, right, or agreement. As Ludwig AI suggests, the word is frequently encountered in legal and business contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

29%

Science

23%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "infringement" is a noun that describes the act of violating a law, right, or agreement. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in legal, business, and news contexts. Its usage spans various reputable sources such as the The Guardian and The Economist, indicating its reliability and common occurrence. While "infringement" is often interchanged with similar terms like "violation" or "breach", it's crucial to use it precisely when referring to the violation of a specific right, law, or agreement to avoid vagueness. Using the word correctly ensures clear and effective communication in various professional and academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

violation

Direct synonym, implying a breach of law or right.

breach

Similar to violation, often used in legal or contractual contexts.

encroachment

Suggests gradually exceeding or overstepping boundaries.

transgression

Implies a violation of moral or ethical principles.

contravention

Formal term for acting against a law or rule.

infraction

Minor violation of a rule or law.

trespass

Unlawful entry or interference with property.

unlawful act

General term for any action that is against the law.

dereliction

Failure to fulfill a duty or obligation.

non-compliance

Failure or refusal to comply with a rule or regulation.

FAQs

How can "infringement" be used in a sentence?

The term "infringement" is used to describe the act of breaking a law, agreement, or right. For instance, "The company was sued for patent infringement" or "The construction was an infringement on the homeowner's property rights".

What words are similar to "infringement"?

Alternatives include "violation", "breach", or "encroachment", depending on the specific context of the situation.

Is there a difference between "infringement" and "violation"?

While both terms relate to breaking a rule or law, "infringement" often refers to violating a right or agreement, especially in legal contexts. "Violation" is a broader term that can refer to any broken rule or law.

What are common types of "infringement"?

Common types of "infringement" include copyright infringement, patent infringement, trademark infringement, and data privacy infringement. Each refers to specific areas of legal protection that have been violated.