defective — having a fault or flaw; not working properly or not perfect
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: having a fault or flaw; not working properly or not perfect
Pronunciation (IPA): /dɪˈfektɪv/
Example Sentences
- My defective alarm clock made me late for the most important exam of my life.
- The defective umbrella broke right when it started raining cats and dogs.
- The company issued a recall for the defective car parts that could cause safety issues.
defective
ADJECTIVE[/dɪˈfektɪv/]
having a fault or flaw; not working properly or not perfect

The inspector found a defective smartphone before it was shipped to customers.

The toy looked perfect until one broken wheel revealed it was defective. ("Detect the defective item.")

The defective machine was examined by a detective-like engineer before corrective repairs were made.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'defectivus', derived from 'deficere' meaning 'to fail or lack', which combines 'de-' (away from) and 'facere' (to make or do). The word entered English through Old French.
Breakdown
de- (away from, lack) + fect (from facere, to make/do) + -ive (adjective suffix) = defective (lacking in some way, imperfect)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My defective alarm clock made me late for the most important exam of my life.”
“The defective umbrella broke right when it started raining cats and dogs.”
“The company issued a recall for the defective car parts that could cause safety issues.”
“His defective memory made him forget his own birthday party.”
📚Related Words
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