imperfection

im·per·fec·tion | \ ˌim-pər-ˈfek-shən

How to pronounce imperfection (audio)

\

Definition of imperfection

: the quality or state of being imperfect also : fault, blemish

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about imperfection

Keep scrolling for more

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 Used copies that have slight imperfections are selling on eBay for $35 to $200. — Kim Komando, USA TODAY, "Check the attic! These 8 old tech items could be worth a lot of money," 13 Feb. 2020 For the even slightly flabby, a leather shirt accentuates imperfections. — Jacob Gallagher, WSJ, "Can I Wear a Leather Shirt Without Looking Smarmy?," 29 Jan. 2020 At very low velocity, some random group of slightly larger-than-average imperfections will be the proverbial last straw that will stop the object dead. — Quanta Magazine, "Solution: ‘Natural Law and Elegant Math’," 17 Jan. 2020 But it’s also defined by rounded bellies, shimmering silver hair, and mundane imperfections. — National Geographic, "The idea of beauty is always shifting. Today, it’s more inclusive than ever.," 7 Jan. 2020 The plasma inside a tokamak is held there by magnetic fields, and these are prone to imperfections that can turn into disruptive flaws. — Caroline Delbert, Popular Mechanics, "China Is Building an Artificial Sun," 20 Dec. 2019 Or like last year, will IU's imperfections prove too much in conference play? — Jon Blau, Indianapolis Star, "Archie Miller on IU basketball re-entering Big Ten play: 'We've got to get better.'," 3 Jan. 2020 But because any imperfections would mess up the circuitry that the silicon must bear, the whole block has to be one continuous latticework of atoms, a single crystal. — The Economist, "A look inside the factory around which the modern world turns," 18 Dec. 2019 In some players those imperfections are physical, such as an injury history or slow 40 time. — Oliver Staley, Quartz at Work, "How the NFL separates good from great when evaluating talent," 24 Oct. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'imperfection.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about imperfection

Dictionary Entries near imperfection

imperfect fungus

imperfectibility

imperfect number

imperfect stage

Statistics for imperfection

Last Updated

20 Feb 2020

Cite this Entry

“Imperfection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imperfection. Accessed 28 Feb. 2020.

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

WORD OF THE DAY

coax

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

February 2020 Words of the Day Quiz

Which is a synonym of probity?

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.