defective

adjective

di-ˈfek-tiv How to pronounce defective (audio)
Definition of defectivenext
as in imperfect
having a fault promptly took the defective microwave oven back to the store for a replacement

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of defective Eimers drove the two of us to the closest guardrail, which was also the closest defective guardrail. — Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 20 July 2026 The initiative was likely constitutionally defective from the outset, even as initiative petitions circulated in all corners of the Commonwealth. — Robert Cordy, Boston Herald, 19 July 2026 Although cops initially found no evidence of a mechanical malfunction, the family has alleged that Butler’s car may have been defective. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 16 July 2026 In that case, an election official copies a voter's selections from a defective ballot onto a new ballot that can be scanned in the voting machine. — Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for defective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defective
  1. imperfect
  2. bad
  3. flawed
  4. faulty
  5. damaged
  6. broken
Adjective
  • Room numbers are handwritten on the doors rather than printed—an intentionally imperfect detail that nods to Berlin’s slightly rough-around-the-edges character.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 July 2026
  • Second, shame tolerance, launching imperfect products early, overcoming discomfort with being seen unfinished.
    — Andy Molinsky, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of imperfect
Adjective
  • The period of military rule has fared worse than previous civilian governments, analysts say, with armed groups increasing their footprint across the country and the Sahel.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
  • At one point, King and backup center Nick Samac had a bad exchange on a shotgun snap.
    — Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
Definition of bad
Adjective
  • Waller correctly identifies the futility of adding more experts to central planning, which is inherently flawed, but mistakenly believes the Fed could be better without these panels.
    — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Best known for playing the flawed but fiercely loyal Fiona Gallagher on the Showtime dramedy Shameless, Rossum has always gravitated towards imperfect heroines.
    — Brianne Tracy, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of flawed
Adjective
  • Greece’s firefighting department said Sunday the fire apparently began from sparks emitted by a faulty power line transporting electricity from a private wind generator facility to the main electricity network.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The blaze was blamed on a faulty power line from a wind farm and led to the arrests of two contractors on charges of negligent arson.
    — Derek Gatopoulos, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of faulty
Adjective
  • Moscow can keep paying for the war by forcing businesses to absorb the cost of drone attacks rather than spending on better drone defenses or compensating damaged firms.
    — Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 31 July 2026
  • Investigators found damaged trees along Rock Branch Road, before the tornado crossed Highway 212 and snapped or uprooted numerous trees along the southward slope of Shelton Laurel Creek and toward Cutshall Town Road.
    — Joe Marusak July 31, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
Definition of damaged
Adjective
  • His adventures traversing a broken land of haunted people and animals may be less the stuff of future myth and more about trauma, but Yoon brilliantly creates voices for human and canine that make both more whole.
    — Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
  • The broken, headless humerus was instead left to float freely in the man’s arm, unattached to his upper body.
    — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2026
Definition of broken

Browse Nearby Words

defections
defective
defectively
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Cite this Entry

“Defective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defective. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on defective

Nglish: Translation of defective for Spanish Speakers

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