imperfect

1 of 2

adjective

im·​per·​fect (ˌ)im-ˈpər-fikt How to pronounce imperfect (audio)
1
: not perfect: such as
a
: flawed in form, structure, or function : defective, deficient
an imperfect world
an imperfect system
conclusions based on imperfect data
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
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
imperfectly adverb
imperfectness noun

imperfect

2 of 2

noun

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
2
: 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 Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Her Millie is imperfect, damaged and human, not to mention quite adroit at code switching with her accent and vernacular. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Nov. 2024 The Pax Americana was ever imperfect and to many people in the world, from Vietnam to Iraq, smacked of hypocrisy. Andreas Kluth, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
Noun
On the whole, Google's spam filter, though in this instance imperfect, is not morally blameworthy. Jon Brodkin, Ars Technica, 25 Aug. 2023 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 See all Example Sentences for imperfect 

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

Dictionary Entries Near imperfect

Cite this Entry

“Imperfect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imperfect. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

imperfect

1 of 2 adjective
im·​per·​fect (ˈ)im-ˈpər-fikt How to pronounce imperfect (audio)
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
imperfectly adverb

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

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