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
  • 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
  • Stories of first times, of big feelings imperfectly grasped, of life coming into focus for better or worse.
    — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of imperfectly
Adverb
  • Without the federal government as a consistent partner, local efforts are inadequately supported.
    — Monitor Reader, Christian Science Monitor, 28 July 2026
  • Indian troops were deployed to thwart Chinese advances but were reportedly inadequately supplied, underprepared, and overwhelmed.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 July 2026
Definition of inadequately
Adverb
  • Yet many still fail to reach their full potential because the directors are insufficiently engaged, inadequately challenged or possibly confined to narrow definitions of their role.
    — James Langabeer, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The university determined that Verster was insufficiently transparent because he had been paid through his own company for studies that cited his university affiliation.
    — Ashley Okwuosa, STAT, 30 July 2026
Definition of insufficiently
Adverb
  • But, positioned 11th in the GC before the mountains, Włodarczyk is not riding badly and could yet pull out some great performances.
    — Jessica Hopkins, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The whole thing reminded me so much of Willow, when Kael’s forces arrive at Tir Asleen and Madmartigan tries to act tough and intimidating despite being badly outnumbered.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 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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defectively
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Cite this Entry

“Defectively.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defectively. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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