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

The State Bureau of Investigation led a two-year-long probe into her faulty testing, under Mecklenburg District Attorney Spencer Merriweather’s direction. — Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026

Witnesses reported hearing a popping sound before Esparza went flying, and employees told police investigators that maintenance had fixed faulty sensors on the ride a few days prior. — Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026

Without cultivation, about four attempts in 1,000 produced a faulty state. — Jacek Krywko, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2026

Apparel brands may be losing customers over faulty garments without seeing the evidence in their returns volume, according to a new survey from Samsara Eco. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 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