imperfection

noun

im·​per·​fec·​tion ˌim-pər-ˈfek-shən How to pronounce imperfection (audio)
: the quality or state of being imperfect
also : fault, blemish

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 Again and again in Masters’s book and Taylor’s documentary, aficionados of the cassette tout its limitations and imperfections as essential to its ongoing appeal. Jon Michaud, The New Yorker, 16 Nov. 2023 These sheens also work well for disguising wall scuffs and imperfections. Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Nov. 2023 Instead, every selfie seemed to intensify my imperfections. Caroline Mimbs Nyce, The Atlantic, 10 Nov. 2023 The model appeared aged and seemed to have water damage and other imperfections. Samuel Axon, Ars Technica, 7 Nov. 2023 But an imperfection in the study became its life raft. WIRED, 26 Oct. 2023 Our wine-tasting classes were taught by The Vines wine director, Mariana Onofri, and her team, who even showed us how to detect imperfections in wines with just our noses. Mercedes Bleth, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Oct. 2023 Most cars use mechanical links and a multipart suspension system to steer, brake, and isolate imperfections in the road’s surface. IEEE Spectrum, 1 Nov. 2023 In each episode, Kaplan argues that although hubris, ambition, and hatred always lurk in the background, the knowledge of human imperfection and the limits of progress can liberate people to seek greater self-awareness and avoid idealist misadventures. Robert D. Kaplan, Foreign Affairs, 24 Oct. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'imperfection.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of imperfection was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near imperfection

Cite this Entry

“Imperfection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imperfection. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

imperfection

noun
im·​per·​fec·​tion ˌim-pər-ˈfek-shən How to pronounce imperfection (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being imperfect
2
: flaw, fault

More from Merriam-Webster on imperfection

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