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

There are bobs that are much more geometric, polished, or structured—like the classic straight bob or blunt bob—while the Capri bob looks for movement and a certain pretty imperfection. —Vanessa Santos, Glamour, 1 June 2026

Here on Earth, the boom would warp or buckle because of gravity or wind, but in space, the causes are slight differences in temperature or radiation pressure, or even slight imperfections in the sail itself, putting different forces on the boom all along its length. —Kiona N. Smith, Space.com, 31 May 2026

Right now, that sense of imperfection and authenticity is sorely missing from AI in cinema. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 31 May 2026

Plus, orange on orange (or blue on blue, or pink on pink…) will help camouflage any imperfections. —Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 29 May 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