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

This collection does not beautify quotidian messiness but shows us how love celebrates our imperfections. — Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026

Social media is a lot about aesthetic perfection, yet your philosophy is about restraint, aged patina, the imperfection of antiques. — Ingrid Schmidt, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026

Every interaction becomes a hurdle for Arash, if only because the imperfections of life in modern Iran reinforce the sensation of being truly alive, in all its rankling complexity. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026

At the salon, the impossibly flawless-looking manager (Azmeri Haque Badhon) finds granular fault with Zai’s body, from stretchmarks to pore imperfections, signing her up to a gruelling program of treatments. — Miriam Balanescu, IndieWire, 6 Sep. 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