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

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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 Worse, the fragmentation of DNA in the ancient samples gives an imperfect record of which of those regulatory switches are to be flipped which way. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 14 Oct. 2026 Shares of Johnson & Johnson slid Tuesday after the pharma giant reported another solid but imperfect quarter. — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026 In a defining game that many thought would expose problems masked by UCLA’s early-season success, the Bruins — though imperfect — vociferously announced their arrival to the college football world as legitimate playoff contenders. — Elias Esquivel, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026 That’s the rhythm, the moral and spiritual roller-coaster of perfecting our imperfect union. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for imperfect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperfect
  1. defective
  2. bad
  3. flawed
Adjective
  • Some 104,643 defective pens were returned in the first 8 months of sales.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
  • If the report is so defective that nobody should rely on it, release it alongside the state’s criticisms and let lawmakers, journalists, insurance experts and Floridians examine both.
    — Matthew T. Christ, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of defective
Adjective
  • High oil prices are bad for Asia, which imports most of its fuel.
    — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Futures are worse, Asia closed deep in the red, and Europe is also broadly lower.
    — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of bad
Adjective
  • Perhaps less exciting is the fact her failures are more than just the flawed Edison machine.
    — Torie Bosch, STAT, 24 Oct. 2026
  • From a charismatic Formula 1 racing legend to a brilliant but flawed soccer god to a troubled, tragic singer, Academy Award-winning docmaker Asif Kapadia has made a career out of telling the stories of larger-than-life figures.
    — Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of flawed

Browse Nearby Words

impercipient
imperfect
imperfection
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Imperfect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperfect. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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