faulty

1 of 2

adjective

ˈfȯl-tē How to pronounce faulty (audio)
faultier; faultiest
Synonyms of faultynext
: 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

faultiness

2 of 2

noun

fault·​i·​ness -tēnə̇s How to pronounce faultiness (audio)
-tin-
plural -es
: the quality or state of being faulty
the notable faultiness of a man's reasoning

Synonyms of faulty

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Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of faulty in a Sentence

Adjective 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.
Adjective
The developer behind the skyscraper – the former Pfizer headquarters being converted into apartments – previously told CNN that faulty column supports carrying too much weight were to blame, and the building has since been stabilized. — Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 11 July 2026 Negative reviews, however, mentioned faulty packaging and pushy sales tactics. — Javier Simon, USA Today, 11 July 2026 Days passed before a Deere technician could come to his farm and trace it to a faulty valve. — Natalie Kainz, NBC news, 10 July 2026 And while most of the film is unrelentingly grim, its few stabs at dark humor — most notably the punchlines about the grandmother’s faulty memory — didn’t garner a chuckle from me. — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for faulty

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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 15 Jul. 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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