as in imperfect
having a fault
promptly took the defective microwave oven back to the store for a replacement
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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.
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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 
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
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Despite some compromises, namely imperfect software integration between Windows and Android and a substantial carry weight, the ThinkBook is an impressive engineering achievement providing unique advantages not found in any other single device.PCMAG, PCMAG, 17 Dec. 2024
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The season of twinkling lights, overplayed carols, and a daily debate over whether that tree in the living room is charmingly imperfect or just lopsided.Emily Price, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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If anything, the living conditions seemed to get worse.Chris Quintana, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
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While working as an advocate for victims of domestic violence herself, she was attacked by someone else’s abuser and her symptoms got worse, particularly trouble with her balance.Marina Kopf, NBC News, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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But the study was deeply flawed, according to the standards of scientific research.Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2024
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Since then of course, Burgundy has come to dominate the fine wine market, building on its own extensive history and reinforcing its status, however flawed, with a clear hierarchy of quality through the Premier and Grand Cru system.Paul Caputo, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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However, as faulty materials weaken a structure, poor-quality data can derail an AI project.Abhishek Shivanna, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
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That would be useful for devices like glucose monitors or pacemakers where faulty or worn down power sources can lead to dangerous results.Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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At the hospital, Maggie unknowingly leaves a trail of blood after cutting her hand on broken glass.Jordana Comiter, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024
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The broken glass and defaced portraits of the now fugitive president crunching under our feet.James Longman, ABC News, 10 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near defective
Cite this Entry
“Defective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defective. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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