im·per·fect
(ˌ)im-ˈpər-fikt 
1
2
: of, relating to, or constituting a verb tense used to designate a continuing state or an incomplete action especially in the past
The Spanish word bailábamos ("we were dancing, we used to dance") is in the imperfect tense.
3
: not enforceable by law : enforceable only under certain conditions
That obligation would be a constitutional duty and a political obligation, but not a legally enforceable one. In legal terms, it would be described as a "duty of imperfect obligation."—
Anne Twomey
Anne Twomey
plural imperfects
1
: something that is flawed or imperfect
Much of what the company sells are "imperfects," or produce that's too small, too big or oddly shaped but perfectly good to eat.—Gloria Dawson
Gloria Dawson2
: an imperfect (see imperfect entry 1 sense 2) tense
a verb in the imperfect
also
: the verb form expressing it
Imperfects are used to indicate ongoing or repeated past action.
Examples of imperfect in a Sentence
Adjective
It's an imperfect solution to a difficult problem.
He had an imperfect understanding of the task.
In “He was singing when I came in,” “was singing” is in the imperfect tense.
Recent Examples on the WebLaird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2023
Considered an expression of wabi-sabi, or imperfect beauty, kokedama evolved from a bonsai technique used with plants whose roots have grown into the shape of their pots.
—Jenny Comita, New York Times, 21 Nov. 2023
Like imperfect tapestries, some held the remains of different people.
—Jeffrey Fleishman, Los Angeles Times, 16 Nov. 2023
This is admittedly an imperfect exercise in Virginia, where absentee ballots were not allocated by precinct until very recently, which meant that presidential results by legislative district were only an estimate.
—Nathaniel Rakich, ABC News, 16 Nov. 2023
Trending That’s also a Hunger Games staple, of course, and this imperfect yet surprising prequel knows that even those who haven’t read the book(s) will want that itch scratched.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 16 Nov. 2023
Given how real clocks are never perfect, the researchers explored the impact that imperfect timing would have on quantum computers.
—IEEE Spectrum, 13 Nov. 2023
Brush on random, imperfect strokes of crafts glue with a foam brush.
—Emily Vanschmus, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Nov. 2023
Microsoft's long-running Forza franchise actually has its origin in a neural net experiment, and more recently, its developers used each human player to train an AI agent that would populate their friends' games, albeit with imperfect results.
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 1 Nov. 2023
Susan Dominus, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2023
But that’s an imperfect means of protection, shown to miss anywhere from 30% to 70% of people who are in the early stages of an infection.
—Melissa Healystaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2023
Its endless affection for Jimmy is touching on one hand, propping him up as an imperfect soul who’s nevertheless worthy of Paul’s guidance, Sean’s trust and Alice’s love.
—Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Jan. 2023
But putting a threatening bed of piano music under various winners as a way to signal whose time was less valuable seemed like an imperfect option: In this case, no overlong speaker was dithering, wasting time, or listing names.
—Daniel D'addario, Variety, 10 Jan. 2023
The portraits of his mother and grandmother — two imperfect but loving, spirited women — are particularly vivid and appreciative.
—Nancy Lord, Anchorage Daily News, 10 Dec. 2022
The current study, in contrast, does not factor in any additional greenhouse gas emissions or specify when the melting would take place, making the comparison with the U.N. report imperfect.
—Chris Mooney, Washington Post, 29 Aug. 2022
This is a loving and unflinching portrait of a search for community, imperfect but constant.
—Lauren Leblanc, BostonGlobe.com, 18 Aug. 2022
Such contradictions, Kumashiro said, reflect how Asian Americans are navigating an imperfect system.
—Harmeet Kaur, CNN, 3 Nov. 2022
See More
Adjective
To me the beautiful thing is that imperfect perfect.
—Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2023
Considered an expression of wabi-sabi, or imperfect beauty, kokedama evolved from a bonsai technique used with plants whose roots have grown into the shape of their pots.
—Jenny Comita, New York Times, 21 Nov. 2023
Like imperfect tapestries, some held the remains of different people.
—Jeffrey Fleishman, Los Angeles Times, 16 Nov. 2023
This is admittedly an imperfect exercise in Virginia, where absentee ballots were not allocated by precinct until very recently, which meant that presidential results by legislative district were only an estimate.
—Nathaniel Rakich, ABC News, 16 Nov. 2023
Trending That’s also a Hunger Games staple, of course, and this imperfect yet surprising prequel knows that even those who haven’t read the book(s) will want that itch scratched.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 16 Nov. 2023
Given how real clocks are never perfect, the researchers explored the impact that imperfect timing would have on quantum computers.
—IEEE Spectrum, 13 Nov. 2023
Brush on random, imperfect strokes of crafts glue with a foam brush.
—Emily Vanschmus, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Nov. 2023
Microsoft's long-running Forza franchise actually has its origin in a neural net experiment, and more recently, its developers used each human player to train an AI agent that would populate their friends' games, albeit with imperfect results.
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 1 Nov. 2023
Noun
But in 2002, a single study, its design imperfect, found links between hormone therapy and elevated health risks for women of all ages.
—Susan Dominus, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2023
But that’s an imperfect means of protection, shown to miss anywhere from 30% to 70% of people who are in the early stages of an infection.
—Melissa Healystaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2023
Its endless affection for Jimmy is touching on one hand, propping him up as an imperfect soul who’s nevertheless worthy of Paul’s guidance, Sean’s trust and Alice’s love.
—Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Jan. 2023
But putting a threatening bed of piano music under various winners as a way to signal whose time was less valuable seemed like an imperfect option: In this case, no overlong speaker was dithering, wasting time, or listing names.
—Daniel D'addario, Variety, 10 Jan. 2023
The portraits of his mother and grandmother — two imperfect but loving, spirited women — are particularly vivid and appreciative.
—Nancy Lord, Anchorage Daily News, 10 Dec. 2022
The current study, in contrast, does not factor in any additional greenhouse gas emissions or specify when the melting would take place, making the comparison with the U.N. report imperfect.
—Chris Mooney, Washington Post, 29 Aug. 2022
This is a loving and unflinching portrait of a search for community, imperfect but constant.
—Lauren Leblanc, BostonGlobe.com, 18 Aug. 2022
Such contradictions, Kumashiro said, reflect how Asian Americans are navigating an imperfect system.
—Harmeet Kaur, CNN, 3 Nov. 2022
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'imperfect.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Adjective
alteration of Middle English imparfit, from Latin imperfectus, from in- + perfectus perfect
First Known Use
Adjective
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Noun
1569, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Time Traveler
The first known use of imperfect was
in the 14th century
Phrases Containing imperfect
Articles Related to imperfect
Dictionary Entries Near imperfect
Cite this Entry
“Imperfect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imperfect. Accessed 5 Dec. 2023.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
imperfect
1 of 2 adjective
im·per·fect
(ˈ)im-ˈpər-fikt
1
: not perfect:
a
: defective
imperfect clothing
b
: having stamens or pistils but not being a flower with both
2
: of, relating to, or being a verb tense used to express a continuing state or an incomplete action especially in the past
imperfect
2 of 2 noun
: the imperfect tense of a verb or a verb in this tense
Legal Definition
imperfect
adjective
im·per·fect
: not perfect or complete: as
a
: not enforceable : enforceable only under certain conditions
an imperfect obligation
b
: lacking an element otherwise required by law compare perfect
More from Merriam-Webster on imperfect
Nglish: Translation of imperfect for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of imperfect for Arabic Speakers
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