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 Someone might answer questions in the scanner on a Tuesday and show nothing on the Wednesday, not because consciousness had come and gone but because the underlying state fluctuated and our detection was imperfect. — Torie Bosch, STAT, 18 July 2026 It’s been understood for years that America’s adversaries and allies alike take a keen interest in how this country practices an imperfect democracy. — Philip Elliott, Time, 17 July 2026 The transition from the British pound to the US dollar provides an instructive if imperfect case study. — Philipp Carlsson-Szlezak, Fortune, 17 July 2026 One that rose to the top in this digital age is how to share those imperfect moments on social media. — Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for imperfect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperfect
  1. defective
  2. bad
  3. flawed
Adjective
  • Benjamin Gibson, an attorney representing the state, said the onus was on the plaintiffs to prove the ballot summary was defective.
    — Jim Turner, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • Hundreds of defective bells from 12 European countries have been restored at the Grassmayr bell foundry, according to the company.
    — Philipp Jenne, Fortune, 30 July 2026
Definition of defective
Adjective
  • The period of military rule has fared worse than previous civilian governments, analysts say, with armed groups increasing their footprint across the country and the Sahel.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
  • At one point, King and backup center Nick Samac had a bad exchange on a shotgun snap.
    — Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
Definition of bad
Adjective
  • Waller correctly identifies the futility of adding more experts to central planning, which is inherently flawed, but mistakenly believes the Fed could be better without these panels.
    — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Best known for playing the flawed but fiercely loyal Fiona Gallagher on the Showtime dramedy Shameless, Rossum has always gravitated towards imperfect heroines.
    — Brianne Tracy, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 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 4 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on imperfect

Nglish: Translation of imperfect for Spanish Speakers

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