Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having a defect or flaw; imperfect or faulty: Describes something that does not work correctly, is incomplete, or has a physical or functional imperfection.
   • Markedly subnormal in structure, function, or intelligence: Used to describe a person or organism with a significant deficiency or impairment.
   • (Linguistics) Lacking a full set of inflected forms: Describes a verb that does not have a complete conjugation in a language.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The factory recalled the cars because the brakes were defective.
  • He returned the defective appliance to the store for a refund.
  • The study focused on children with defective hearing.
  • In English, the modal verb "must" is defective; it has no infinitive or past participle form.

Advanced Usage

• Legally defective: Refers to a document, contract, or product that is flawed in a way that makes it invalid or in violation of the law.
  • The will was declared null and void because it was legally defective.
• Mentally defective: An outdated and now generally offensive term historically used to describe a person with an intellectual disability. Modern usage prefers terms like "intellectually disabled" or "with a cognitive impairment."

Variants and Related Words

• Defect (n): A shortcoming, imperfection, or lack.
  • A small defect in the fabric.
• Defectively (adv): In a defective manner.
  • The part was manufactured defectively.
• Defectiveness (n): The state or quality of being defective.
  • The defectiveness of the design caused the failure.

Synonyms

• Faulty: Having defects, especially in workmanship or operation.
• Flawed: Having a flaw or imperfection.
• Imperfect: Not perfect; having faults or errors.
• Malfunctioning: Failing to function normally.

Antonyms

• Functional: In working order.
• Flawless: Without any imperfections; perfect.
• Sound: In good condition; solid and reliable.

Related Phrases

• Defective product: A manufactured item that has a flaw making it unsafe or not fit for its intended purpose.
  • Consumer protection laws cover injuries from defective products.
• Genetically defective: Having a genetic abnormality or mutation.
  • The condition is caused by a genetically defective chromosome.

Adjective

1. not working properly
   • a bad telephone connection
   • a defective appliance
2. markedly subnormal in structure or function or intelligence or behavior
   • defective speech
3. having a defect
   • I returned the appliance because it was defective