imperfection

noun

im·​per·​fec·​tion ˌim-pər-ˈfek-shən 

: the quality or state of being imperfect

also : fault, blemish

an imperfection in the jewel

Synonyms of imperfection

• defect
• scar
• blotch

Examples of imperfection in a Sentence

He detected several imperfections in the surface of the jewel.

She tried to hide the imperfection in the cloth.

Recent Examples on the Web

There are eight of them, intricately fashioned to have the exact imperfections of actual acorns, but each at least the size of my head. —ABC News, 26 May 2026

Yet as production friction disappears, Murai warns artists risk losing the imperfections that once shaped artistic identity. —C.m. Rubin, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

In the film, Soliño, who has directed documentaries about Cuban and exile legends like Willy Chirino and Paquito D’Rivera, captures the story of an artist who is not the classic success story — but in his imperfections lies the charm. —Sarah Moreno may 22, Miami Herald, 22 May 2026

The photo reveals subtle imperfections in the arc of the moon's crescent, created as sunlight fell on craters and broken terrain lining the shadowy divide separating night from day on the lunar surface. —Anthony Wood, Space.com, 20 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for imperfection

• circumspection
• disaffection
• disconnection
• disinfection
• dorsiflexion
• indirection
• insurrection
• intellection
• interjection
• intersection
• introjection
• introspection

Kids Definition

imperfection

noun

im·​per·​fec·​tion ˌim-pər-ˈfek-shən 

1

: the quality or state of being imperfect

2

: flaw, fault