imperfect

1 of 2

adjective

im·​per·​fect (ˌ)im-ˈpər-fikt 

1

: not perfect: such as

a

: flawed in form, structure, or function : defective, deficient

an imperfect world

an imperfect system

conclusions based on imperfect data

b

of a flower : having stamens or pistils but not both

c

: lacking or not involving sexual reproduction

the imperfect stage of a fungus

2

: of, relating to, or constituting a verb tense used to designate a continuing state or an incomplete action especially in the past

The Spanish word bailábamos ("we were dancing, we used to dance") is in the imperfect tense.

3

: not enforceable by law : enforceable only under certain conditions

That obligation would be a constitutional duty and a political obligation, but not a legally enforceable one. In legal terms, it would be described as a "duty of imperfect obligation."

—Anne Twomey

imperfectly

(ˌ)im-ˈpər-fik(t)-lē 

adverb

imperfectness

(ˌ)im-ˈpər-fik(t)-nəs 

noun

imperfect

2 of 2

noun

plural imperfects

1

: something that is flawed or imperfect

Much of what the company sells are "imperfects," or produce that's too small, too big or oddly shaped but perfectly good to eat.

—Gloria Dawson

2

: an imperfect (see imperfect entry 1 sense 2) tense

a verb in the imperfect

also : the verb form expressing it

Imperfects are used to indicate ongoing or repeated past action.

Synonyms

Adjective

• amiss
• bad
• defective
• faulty
• flawed

Examples of imperfect in a Sentence

Adjective

It's an imperfect solution to a difficult problem.

He had an imperfect understanding of the task.

In “He was singing when I came in,” “was singing” is in the imperfect tense.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The recent Late Night With the Devil controversy seems like the closest comparison, if a rather imperfect one. —James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Apr. 2024

The illiberals aren’t the people defending the right of an imperfect but embattled democracy to defend its territory and save its hostages. —Bret Stephens, The Mercury News, 9 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

alteration of Middle English imparfit, from Latin imperfectus, from in- + perfectus perfect

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1569, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing imperfect

• imperfect fungus
• the imperfect

Kids Definition

imperfect

1 of 2 adjective

im·​per·​fect (ˈ)im-ˈpər-fikt 

1

: not perfect:

a

: defective

imperfect clothing

b

: having stamens or pistils but not being a flower with both

2

: of, relating to, or being a verb tense used to express a continuing state or an incomplete action especially in the past

imperfectly

-fik-(t)lē 

adverb

imperfect

2 of 2 noun

: the imperfect tense of a verb or a verb in this tense

Legal Definition

imperfect

adjective

im·​per·​fect

: not perfect or complete: as

a

: not enforceable : enforceable only under certain conditions

an imperfect obligation

b

: lacking an element otherwise required by law compare perfect