Defective — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /di-ˈfek-tiv/ de·fec·tive

Meaning & Definition of Defective

Defective (adjective)

  1. having a defect or flaw, imperfect in form, structure, or function
  2. having a physical or mental impairment
  3. lacking one or more of the usual forms of inflection

Defective (noun)

  1. something that is imperfect in form, structure, or function
  2. a person having a physical or mental impairment

Defective (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. having a fault

    "promptly took the defective microwave oven back to the store for a replacement"

    similar: amiss, bad, faulty, flawed, imperfect, on the blink
    related: fallible, blemished, broken, crippled, damaged, defaced, disfigured, harmed, hurt, impaired, injured, marred, spoiled, vitiated, deficient, inadequate, incomplete, insufficient, wanting
    opposite: faultless, flawless, impeccable, perfect
    near: complete, entire, intact, whole, unblemished, undamaged, unimpaired, unspoiled

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Defective

The most common words with a similar meaning to Defective:

amiss, bad, faulty, flawed, imperfect, on the blink

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Defective

Words with the opposite meaning of Defective:

faultless, flawless, impeccable, perfect

Related Words for Defective

fallible, blemished, broken, crippled, damaged, defaced, disfigured, harmed, hurt, impaired, injured, marred, spoiled, vitiated, deficient, inadequate, incomplete, insufficient, wanting

Near Antonyms of Defective

complete, entire, intact, whole, unblemished, undamaged, unimpaired, unspoiled

Word Forms of Defective

Derived words: defectively (adverb), defectiveness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Defective

Middle English defectif, defectyve "lacking, faulty, of poor quality," borrowed from Anglo-French defectif, borrowed from Late Latin dēfectīvus "lacking an inflectional form, imperfect, faulty," from Latin dēfectus, past participle of dēficere "to be lacking, run short, fail" + -īvus -ive deficient

First known use: 14th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Defective

What does "Defective" mean?

"Defective" means having a defect or flaw, imperfect in form, structure, or function. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: having a defect or flaw, imperfect in form, structure, or function.

What is another word for "Defective"?

Other words for "Defective" include amiss, bad, faulty, flawed, imperfect and on the blink. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Defective" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Defective"?

There are 25 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Defective". Common alternatives include amiss, bad, faulty, flawed, imperfect and on the blink.

What is the opposite of "Defective"?

Antonyms of "Defective" include faultless, flawless, impeccable and perfect. Near antonyms include complete, entire, intact and whole.

How do you use "Defective" in a sentence?

Examples of "Defective" in a sentence: "promptly took the defective microwave oven back to the store for a replacement".

Is "Defective" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Defective" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Defective"?

"Defective" is pronounced /di-ˈfek-tiv/ and divided into syllables as de·fec·tive.

What is the origin of the word "Defective"?

"Defective" comes from Middle English defectif, defectyve "lacking, faulty, of poor quality," borrowed from Anglo-French defectif, borrowed from Late Latin dēfectīvus "lacking an inflectional form, imperfect, faulty," from Latin dēfectus, past participle of dēficere "to be lacking, run short, fail" + -īvus -ive deficient. First known use: 14th century.