Main Entry: ¹im·per·fect

Pronunciation: \(ˌ)im-ˈpər-fikt\

Function: adjective

Etymology: alteration of Middle English imparfit, from Latin imperfectus, from in- + perfectus perfect

Date: 14th century

1 : not perfect: as a : defective b of a flower : having stamens or pistils but not both c : lacking or not involving sexual reproduction <the imperfect stage of a fungus>
2 : of, relating to, or constituting a verb tense used to designate a continuing state or an incomplete action especially in the past
3 : not enforceable at law

— im·per·fect·ly \-fik(t)-lē\ adverb

— im·per·fect·ness \-fik(t)-nəs\ noun