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 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 This Byram move feels like a repeat of the 2021 Seth Jones trade, in which Chicago overpaid to acquire a talented but imperfect big-name defenseman. — Harman Dayal, New York Times, 24 June 2026 Our relationship was complicated, deep, imperfect—and profoundly formative. — Denielle Sachs, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 An imperfect strategy However, the size and capabilities of Hezbollah’s missile and rocket force show the limits of Israeli effectiveness. — Amy McAuliffe, The Conversation, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for imperfect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperfect
  1. defective
  2. bad
  3. flawed
Adjective
  • Avila's family sued Tesla last week, alleging her death resulted from the company's gross negligence and failure to warn consumers that its self-driving systems were defective.
    — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of defective
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

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 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on imperfect

Nglish: Translation of imperfect for Spanish Speakers

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