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 But that symmetry wasn’t enough to describe an imperfect fluid. — Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026 The builders were initially nonplussed by a brief that demanded techniques that would suggest an imperfect human touch. — Hamish Bowles, Vogue, 16 Aug. 2026 Studio Romell drives home the point with the pleasantly imperfect Inri table lamp, handcrafted in France with a cast-bronze base of three asymmetrical legs. — Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026 Voter turnout in primary elections is an imperfect predictor of general election results, especially when one party has the more compelling early contests. — Joey Cappelletti, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 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
  • Neighbors said the rotten-egg smell has gotten worse over the last couple of weeks, even trailing to apartments across the street.
    — Nicole Comstock, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • For Panama, the result is a wet season that’s already been drier than usual and is likely to get worse.
    — Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of bad
Adjective
  • The senior colleague was ultimately cleared of wrongdoing, but Leo claimed that the investigation was flawed because of its focus on his mental illness.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Summary The sight of empty offices on pleasant days is prompting a re-evaluation of commercial real estate, but experts argue occupancy is a flawed metric for office value.
    — Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of flawed

Browse Nearby Words

impercipient
imperfect
imperfection
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Cite this Entry

“Imperfect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperfect. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of imperfect for Spanish Speakers

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