DEFECTIVE Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

defective

adjective

di-ˈfek-tiv

Definition of defective

as in imperfect

having a fault promptly took the defective microwave oven back to the store for a replacement

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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 defective Warranty costs are the expenses an automaker incurs to cover repairs, replacements and other costs for defective parts or workmanship under a certain period of time or miles driven after customers purchase a new vehicle. — Michael Wayland, CNBC, 3 July 2026 The plaintiffs have also accused Bayer of negligence and misrepresentation of Roundup's safety in its marketing, and have alleged that the product was defective for its intended purpose. — Diana Novak Jones, USA Today, 25 June 2026 The complaint, obtained by PEOPLE, claims the Tesla — equipped with Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features — was defective and unsafe for normal use when it was sold. — Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 That came after a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigation found Ford failed to recall vehicles with defective rearview cameras in a timely manner. — Breana Noble, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for defective

Recent Examples of Synonyms for defective

Adjective

Our relationship was complicated, deep, imperfect—and profoundly formative.

— Denielle Sachs, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
The technology is asking you to be a competent conversation partner with a highly intelligent but imperfect entity.

— David Brooks, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026

Definition of imperfect

Adjective

That if you were deemed, as an enslaved person, if you were deemed troublesome or in some way unwanted, you would literally be sold down the river from the more northern states to the deeper south where you would potentially be treated even worse.

— Dana Taylor, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Offer Real Value, Not Leftovers Most product bundles fail not because the idea is bad but because the execution misses what consumers actually want.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of bad

Adjective

Instead of doubling down on a flawed system, policymakers can make gradual changes by introducing new tax categories in the existing framework and imposing taxes that correspond to the alcoholic content of that category.

— Adam Hoffer, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
The company says the claims contain flawed conclusions and rejects the characterization of the technology as a botnet.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026

Definition of flawed

Adjective

Those distinctions are often overlooked in public discussions of the case, where the narrative frequently centers on faulty blood testing rather than the specific crimes for which she was convicted.

— Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Astronauts Jessica Meir and Chris Williams will replace a faulty wrist joint on the station's Canadarm2 robotic arm.

— Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 29 June 2026

Definition of faulty

Adjective

The Venezuelan College of Engineers (CIV) has launched emergency training sessions for engineers, architects and technical specialists who will inspect damaged structures and determine whether they can be repaired or must be demolished.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
Many injuries were reported in Wisconsin’s Walworth County after the storm toppled trees, knocked down power lines and damaged buildings, said Tom Hausner, undersheriff for the Walworth County Sheriff’s department.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026

Definition of damaged

Adjective

Bowser, who declined to be interviewed for this article, urged the administration to clean up federal parks and fix broken fountains, while pushing back on measures like having police ask for people’s immigration status.

— Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 3 July 2026
Stopped wearing your favorite pumps because of a broken heel?

— Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 3 July 2026

Definition of broken

Browse Nearby Words

defections

defective

defectively

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“Defective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defective. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of defective

adjective

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