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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.
💡 Concept

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.")
🧠 Mnemonic

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.
🎵 Rhyme

The defective machine was examined by a detective-like engineer before corrective repairs were made.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/dɪˈfektɪv/
🇬🇧 UK/dɪˈfektɪv/

🌳Etymology

Prefixde--
Rootfect
Suffix--ive

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

effective
protective
selective
detective

🔗Collocations

defective product
defective gene
defective vision
defective equipment
prove defective
defective manufacturing

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My defective alarm clock made me late for the most important exam of my life.”

😄 Fun example

“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.”

😄 Fun example

“His defective memory made him forget his own birthday party.”

📚Related Words

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