defective

adjective

di-ˈfek-tiv How to pronounce defective (audio)
Definition of defectivenext
as in imperfect
having a fault promptly took the defective microwave oven back to the store for a replacement

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 defective 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 26, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026 And since Jace’s death, she’s treated Baela as nothing more than a defective surveillance drone — a worthless piece of tech that never spots Vhagar. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026 The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in San Diego County Superior Court, accuses Amazon of selling defective tabletop alcohol-burning fire pits despite a ban on the products in two countries and their link to two deaths and about 60 injuries since 2019. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026 Fire hazards are also high on the list, as heating elements in defective units can potentially remain on even when the unit isn’t powered on, increasing the risk of fire or burns. — The Spruce, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for defective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defective
  1. imperfect
  2. bad
  3. flawed
  4. faulty
  5. damaged
  6. broken
Adjective
  • The environment surrounding supply chains is constantly changing, which means leaders are constantly evaluating new information and making decisions with imperfect visibility.
    — Seema Phull, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • That makes Stratego an imperfect-information game, just like poker, which computers cracked years ago.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of imperfect
Adjective
  • But then came the nightmare of Game 3, one of the Sox’s worst performances in weeks.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Specifically, people with worse fever tended to have more of a protein called flagellin in their systems than those with little to no fever.
    — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of bad
Adjective
  • De Brigard would be the first to tell you that his recollection of that day may be flawed.
    — Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026
  • And there is precedent for such a return because Romo is not the first flawed NFL analyst who faced legal troubles and worked again.
    — Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of flawed
Adjective
  • Electrical issues — like faulty wiring, overloaded power strips, and improper extension cord usage — are the leading cause of fatal fires so far this year.
    — Lillian Bonsignore, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026
  • The launch was delayed from mid-September to replace a balky valve in the Dragon spacecraft’s propulsion system, a task that involved cutting into a propellant line inside the ship to swap out a faulty component.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of faulty
Adjective
  • The drones set off fires and damaged buildings in Kyiv and elsewhere in Ukraine overnight, authorities said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Finally, don’t use disinfecting wipes on raw wood or furniture with an uneven or damaged finish.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of damaged
Adjective
  • But, a look beneath the surface shows that three-quarters of the index was actually lower — a possible reflection of a broken market.
    — Sarah Min, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Plates of broken, eggy matzo that taste like soggy cardboard.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of broken

Browse Nearby Words

defections
defective
defectively
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Cite this Entry

“Defective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defective. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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