Imperfect
/ɪmˈpɜːrfɪkt/
Definitions
2 meaningsNot completely correct or lacking a desirable quality.
/ɪmˈpɜːrfɪkt/
Not perfect; having faults or flaws.
The artist considered the sculpture imperfect, constantly finding new ways to refine it.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're baking a cake, but it's slightly crooked or the icing isn't quite right. That cake is imperfect! It's not as good as it could be.
👶 For kids: Not totally right or finished. Like a drawing that's not all colored in.
More Examples
Her understanding of the subject was imperfect, as she missed some of the key details.
The imperfect design led to several complications during the construction phase.
How It's Used
"The painting was considered imperfect due to a small scratch on the canvas."
"The imperfect tense describes an action that was ongoing in the past."
To impair, make less than perfect.
/ɪmˈpɜːrfekt/
To make imperfect.
The aging process inevitably imperfects the beauty of youth.
💡 Simply: To make something a little worse. Like if you accidentally bump a piece of furniture and it gets a scratch, you've imperfect it slightly.
👶 For kids: To make something not as good as it could be.
More Examples
The flawed execution imperfects an otherwise brilliant plan.
Carelessness might imperfect the result of the experiment.
How It's Used
"The shadows imperfect the image of the painting."
Synonyms & Antonyms
From Latin *imperfectus* ("unfinished, incomplete"), from *in-* ("not") + *perfectus* ("finished, complete").
The word 'imperfect' has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to something incomplete or unfinished.
Memory tip
Think of 'im-' as 'not' and 'perfect', so not perfect or flawed.
Word Origin
"not finished"