imperfect

adjective

(ˌ)im-ˈpər-fikt How to pronounce imperfect (audio)
Definition of imperfectnext
as in defective
having a fault an imperfect representation of the circumstances surrounding Paul Revere's famous ride

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 imperfect 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 The bottom line An imperfect borrowing climate which has solidified thanks to an extended Fed rate pause will need to be traversed carefully. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 31 July 2026 The guy from Russia, the guy who still speaks imperfect English, is one of the most relatable athletes in the history of Pittsburgh sports. — Josh Yohe, New York Times, 31 July 2026 The path to this milestone was imperfect and paved in blood and suffering. — Jacob Ware, The Conversation, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for imperfect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperfect
  1. defective
  2. bad
  3. flawed
Adjective
  • And since Jace’s death, she’s treated Baela as nothing more than a defective surveillance drone — a worthless piece of tech that never spots Vhagar.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in San Diego County Superior Court, accuses Amazon of selling defective tabletop alcohol-burning fire pits despite a ban on the products in two countries and their link to two deaths and about 60 injuries since 2019.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of defective
Adjective
  • The last war, which began in 2014, left Yemen facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
    — Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Even worse, Brooks directed him to contact his agent instead.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of bad
Adjective
  • Here agents were built to find software exploits and placed in flawed or deliberately permissive environments.
    — Chris Stokel-Walker, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Every output the system produces from ambiguous or stale inputs becomes a decision someone makes in good faith on a flawed premise.
    — Leon Gordon, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of flawed

Browse Nearby Words

impercipient
imperfect
imperfection
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Imperfect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperfect. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of imperfect for Spanish Speakers

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