faulty

adjective

ˈfȯl-tē How to pronounce faulty (audio)
faultier; faultiest
Synonyms of faultynext
: marked by fault or defect : imperfect
faultily
ˈfȯl-tə-lē How to pronounce faulty (audio)
adverb
faultiness
ˈfȯl-tē-nəs How to pronounce faulty (audio)
noun

Synonyms of faulty

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Examples of faulty in a Sentence

the cause of the plane crash was traced to faulty wiring
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The team checked to make sure that the signal was not the result of faulty electronics that produced false readings. — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026 Spencer told me about trucks getting stuck on narrow roads after their drivers followed faulty directions; in June, a woman wedged her car onto light-rail tracks in Seattle. — Shayla Love, New Yorker, 6 Aug. 2026 As San Jose contends with looming parking rate increases, city officials confirmed during a downtown parking board meeting Wednesday that faulty meters displayed double the standard rate this week, showing $4 instead of $2. — Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026 Non-stop clicking could be the result of either a faulty thermostat or an electrical problem. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for faulty

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of faulty was in the 14th century

Rhymes for faulty

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Browse Nearby Words

fault vent
faulty
fault zone
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Cite this Entry

“Faulty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/faulty. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

faulty

adjective
ˈfȯl-tē How to pronounce faulty (audio)
faultier; faultiest
: having a fault or weakness : imperfect
faultily
-tə-lē How to pronounce faulty (audio)
adverb
faultiness
-tē-nəs How to pronounce faulty (audio)
noun

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