faulty

adjective

ˈfȯl-tē How to pronounce faulty (audio)
faultier; faultiest
Synonyms of faulty
: 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.
Tyler Shultz, a former Theranos research engineer who helped expose the company’s faulty blood-testing technology, barely recognized the woman on-screen. — Bilin Lin, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026 His interview with O’Donnell relates his story—a faulty parachute, a tough crash, a long bloody hike, and survival until he was rescued by an American plane—in a genuinely moving way. — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026 The State Bureau of Investigation led a two-year-long probe into her faulty testing, under Mecklenburg District Attorney Spencer Merriweather’s direction. — Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026 Witnesses reported hearing a popping sound before Esparza went flying, and employees told police investigators that maintenance had fixed faulty sensors on the ride a few days prior. — Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 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

See All Rhymes for faulty

Browse Nearby Words

fault vent
faulty
fault zone
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Faulty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/faulty. Accessed 27 Oct. 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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