Imperfect — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /(ˌ)im-ˈpər-fikt/ im·per·fect

Meaning & Definition of Imperfect

Imperfect (adjective)

  1. not perfect
  2. flawed in form, structure, or function, defective, deficient
  3. having stamens or pistils but not both

Imperfect (noun)

  1. something that is flawed or imperfect
  2. an imperfect tense; also, the verb form expressing it

Imperfect (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. having a fault

    "an imperfect representation of the circumstances surrounding Paul Revere's famous ride"

    similar: amiss, bad, defective, faulty, flawed, 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 Imperfect

The most common words with a similar meaning to Imperfect:

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

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Imperfect

Words with the opposite meaning of Imperfect:

faultless, flawless, impeccable, perfect

Related Words for Imperfect

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

Near Antonyms of Imperfect

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

Word Forms of Imperfect

Inflections: imperfects

Derived words: imperfectly (adverb), imperfectness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Imperfect

alteration of Middle English imparfit, from Latin imperfectus, from in- + perfectus perfect

First known use: 14th century

Words & Phrases Containing Imperfect

imperfect fungus, the imperfect

Frequently Asked Questions about Imperfect

What does "Imperfect" mean?

"Imperfect" means not perfect. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: not perfect.

What is another word for "Imperfect"?

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

What are different ways to say "Imperfect"?

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

What is the opposite of "Imperfect"?

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

How do you use "Imperfect" in a sentence?

Examples of "Imperfect" in a sentence: "an imperfect representation of the circumstances surrounding Paul Revere's famous ride".

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

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

How do you pronounce "Imperfect"?

"Imperfect" is pronounced /(ˌ)im-ˈpər-fikt/ and divided into syllables as im·per·fect.

What is the origin of the word "Imperfect"?

"Imperfect" comes from alteration of Middle English imparfit, from Latin imperfectus, from in- + perfectus perfect. First known use: 14th century.