as in imperfect
having a fault
promptly took the defective microwave oven back to the store for a replacement
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
The first trial in one of the largest U.S. mass torts ever kicks off Monday with 3M defending itself against claims that its Combat Arms earplugs were knowingly defective, harming the hearing of tens of thousands of soldiers.
—
Mike Hughlett, Star Tribune, 28 Mar. 2021
The hope is that this approach will provide new olfactory receptor neurons for people whose own have been permanently damaged or defective since birth.
—Emma Young, Discover Magazine, 3 Aug. 2015
Overheated or defective batteries can catch fire or even explode, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
—Kerry Breen, CBS News, 21 Jan. 2023
Those factories could provide the recyclers with a great deal of defective or excess battery material, particularly in their early years.
—Kellen Browning, New York Times, 21 Dec. 2022
See All Example Sentences for defective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defective
Adjective
-
While perhaps imperfect, the master plan demonstrates a bold vision for the future of New York City that has been driven by community input.—
-
International organizations like the W.H.O. provided usable, if imperfect, alternatives.—
Adjective
-
The most common reason a cruise ship skips a port is bad weather.—
-
Meanwhile, the Heat has been among the NBA’s worst teams in the league since Butler’s departure.—
Adjective
-
Others, such as closing beaches, parks and playgrounds, were well intentioned but flawed.—
-
Congress needs to stanch the bleeding — and give serious thought to overhauling this flawed system for the longer term.—
Adjective
-
Visitors and spectators like Contreras and the international firefighters who were not escorted at all times as required, and, there was no emergency service on site and some of the gear was old and faulty, sheriff’s office investigators said.—
-
Coming off a September collapse driven by faulty starting pitching, the Mets made the big swing for Santana in early February 2008.—
Adjective
-
Ren has trouble adjusting to the woman Olivia has become and still sees her as a broken girl, leading to resentment and distance between mother and daughter.—
-
In November 2023, a 62-year-old American woman was killed aboard the Viking Polaris when a rogue wave crashed into a window and she was struck by broken glass, according to WCVB-TV.—
Cite this Entry
“Defective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defective. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share