defectively

adverb

as in imperfectly

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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 defectively The jury found that the formula was defectively designed, that Abbott failed to adequately warn about the dangers and risks of the formula and that Abbott was negligent. — Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026 Lawyers for Garg’s family argued that the Boeing plane involved in the crash was defectively designed and alleged the company did not warn passengers about the safety concerns, according to Reuters. — Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 13 Nov. 2025 The lawsuit alleged that the 737 MAX plane was defectively designed and that Boeing failed to warn passengers and the public about its dangers. — Reuters, NBC news, 13 Nov. 2025 In the suit, the plaintiffs claimed HHI defectively designed and manufactured the switchboard in such a manner that wiring connections were not secure, could not be verified as secure, and could lose connection during normal operation. — Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 6 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defectively
  1. imperfectly
  2. inadequately
  3. insufficiently
  4. badly
  5. incompletely
Adverb
  • The department exists to preserve some semblance of equal justice in the United States — imperfectly, haltingly, often overbearingly for some and cautiously for others — and help ensure that the nation is governed by the rule of law.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Rather than suffering because leaders acted imperfectly, organizations often suffer because leaders waited too long to act at all.
    — Irma Becerra, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of imperfectly
Adverb
  • Around the world, most caregivers are either uncompensated or inadequately compensated, and many rely on public assistance where available to make ends meet.
    — Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The investigation also found that the Prison Rape Elimination Act was inadequately implemented.
    — Sierra van der Brug, Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of inadequately
Adverb
  • The order also authorizes the Justice Department to challenge state vaccine regulations deemed insufficiently respectful of parental objections.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Similar ads released in recent months accuse Moulton of being insufficiently progressive compared to Markey, a co-author of the Green New Deal, who’s seeking a third term in the Senate.
    — Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of insufficiently
Adverb
  • Even when off-the-shelf software fit badly, most companies still bought it because the alternative was too expensive to justify.
    — Andrew Siemer, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Although the country has been badly damaged by war, the regime remains intact, and its regional power has grown.
    — MARC LYNCH, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of badly
Adverb
  • Although the precise mechanisms remain incompletely understood, evidence indicates that exposure to components of tick saliva stimulates the production of IgE antibodies against alpha-gal in susceptible individuals.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Many of these compounds’ efficacy and safety remain incompletely and properly evaluated in humans, and continue to be used outside conventional medical frameworks, increasingly marketed with the language of longevity, optimization, and self-care.
    — Robert Glatter, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of incompletely

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Cite this Entry

“Defectively.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defectively. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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