faulty

adjective

ˈfȯl-tē 

faultier; faultiest

: marked by fault or defect : imperfect

faultily

ˈfȯl-tə-lē 

adverb

faultiness

ˈfȯl-tē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of faulty

• defective

Examples of faulty in a Sentence

the cause of the plane crash was traced to faulty wiring

Recent Examples on the Web

Still, with clever coding even faulty qubits can be optimized to create a high-performance system. — Donald Keough, Christian Science Monitor, 27 June 2026

Both sides suggest that the spark for the explosion was a common mishap among people who handle fireworks — the faulty placement of an electronic igniter used to set off pyrotechnics. — Sacbee.com, 25 June 2026

Astronauts Jessica Meir and Chris Williams will replace a faulty wrist joint on the station's Canadarm2 robotic arm. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 29 June 2026

Those distinctions are often overlooked in public discussions of the case, where the narrative frequently centers on faulty blood testing rather than the specific crimes for which she was convicted. — Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for faulty

• salty

Kids Definition

faulty

adjective

ˈfȯl-tē 

faultier; faultiest

: having a fault or weakness : imperfect

faultily

-tə-lē 

adverb

faultiness

-tē-nəs 

noun