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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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 Also, the issue may also be that BMI is an imperfect measure of body fat. — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026 So Zohran Mamdani deserves at least tentative kudos for taking it on so early in his administration and for offering a solution that, while resoundingly imperfect, at least seems grounded in the real world. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 24 Aug. 2026 The system then organizes these imperfect demonstrations into a latent action space that robots can interpret and refine. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026 Whether the approach ultimately changes the environmental scores attached to wool will depend on more than proving that existing systems are imperfect. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for imperfect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperfect
  1. defective
  2. bad
  3. flawed
Adjective
  • That is why intentionally defective grantor trusts, or IDGTs, remain useful.
    — Michael Gold CFP, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Caused by a defective gene for an enzyme that breaks down the carbohydrate heparan sulfate, it is characterized by a buildup of toxic material in tissues, including brain cells.
    — Mike McRae August 26, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of defective
Adjective
  • The accident was one of the Portuguese capital’s worst tragedies in recent memory and cast a shadow over the city’s ongoing tourism boom.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The must-read Falling during a hike can lead to a serious injury, or even worse.
    — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of bad
Adjective
  • Hubble launched in 1990 with a flawed mirror that required spacewalking astronauts’ dramatic intervention.
    — Marcia Dunn, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Historically, retail rankings were flawed, often missing true leaders like A&P, which dominated for decades before Sears and Walmart.
    — Jason Goldberg, Forbes.com, 29 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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