defect

USAGE SUMMARY

'defect' is a perfectly valid English word and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a flaw or imperfection in something, for example: "The defect in the window frame caused the window to rattle in the wind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There are only a handful of exemptions to the ban on abortion – to save the mother's life, if the pregnancy was a result of rape, or, in a recent controversial addition, if the foetus has anencephaly, a rare birth defect in which the brain and skull do not develop.

The Guardian

Network Rail said: "We apologise to passengers whose journeys have been delayed this morning as a result of a track circuit defect just outside the Haywards Heath area.

The Guardian

This week, 50 government MPs went on a trip to Taiwan due to last more than a week, making it all the more difficult for Anwar to lobby tempt them to defect.

The Guardian

But Routh still knew right from wrong, Starnes added, and his illness did not rise to the level of "severe mental disease or defect" at the time of the crime – the legal definition to meet the insanity standard in Texas.

The Guardian

I sold them to buy a gun – not to aim at the army soldiers, who were my colleagues and most likely did not have the chance to defect, but to fire against barbaric shabiha [militia], who were slaying people and with burning and smashing civilian houses.

The Guardian

A Guardian straw poll on York Road, where at least four of the contenders have rented empty shops for the campaign, suggests that enough Labour voters plan to defect or stay at home to dispel any complacency.

The Guardian

But as we now know, it wasn't enough to appease Reckless, who went on to become the second Conservative MP to defect to Nigel Farage's Ukip.

The Guardian

The dynamics differ in each of the two cases – but in both, the pressure is designed to give voters permission to defect on election day.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dillu Miah, a Muslim taxi driver, will defect from Labour to Mr Bloom because of Iraq.

The Guardian

Saleh again urged Turkey to help set up buffer zones inside Syria, which he claimed would encourage thousands more troops to defect.

The Guardian

I'm absolutely 100% convinced no one else will defect".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing technical issues, be specific about the type of "defect". For example, specify if it's a "design defect", a "manufacturing defect", or a "software defect".

Common error

While "defect" is a valid word, consider using simpler alternatives like "flaw" or "problem" in casual conversation or informal writing to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "defect" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a flaw or imperfection. It can also function as a verb, meaning to abandon or desert. Ludwig AI indicates that the word is valid and commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

32%

Science

31%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "defect" is a versatile word, predominantly used as a noun to describe a flaw or imperfection, and less frequently as a verb meaning to desert. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It appears frequently in news, business, and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When writing, consider the specific type of "defect" to provide clarity. While generally acceptable, in very informal settings, consider replacing with a more casual word for better readability. There are many suitable words like "flaw", "fault" and "shortcoming".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Flaw

Refers to a blemish or imperfection that impairs appearance or functionality.

Fault

Indicates a weakness or imperfection in a design, plan, or mechanism.

Shortcoming

Highlights a deficiency or inadequacy in performance or quality.

Imperfection

Emphasizes the absence of ideal quality or completeness.

Blemish

Suggests a mark or flaw that detracts from appearance.

Deficiency

Points to a lack or shortage of something necessary.

Malfunction

Specifically refers to a failure to function correctly.

Weakness

Indicates a vulnerability or lack of strength in a particular area.

Error

Suggests a mistake or deviation from what is correct.

Bug

Commonly used in technical contexts to describe a flaw in a system or software.

FAQs

How can I use "defect" in a sentence?

You can use "defect" to describe a flaw or imperfection in something, such as "The car had a manufacturing defect" or "The plan had a fatal defect".

What are some synonyms for "defect"?

Some synonyms for "defect" include "flaw", "fault", "shortcoming", and "blemish". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "defect" when referring to a person's character?

While technically correct, using "defect" to describe a character flaw can sound harsh. Alternatives like "weakness" or "shortcoming" might be more appropriate depending on the situation.

What is the difference between a "defect" and an "error"?

A "defect" is generally a pre-existing flaw or imperfection, while an "error" is a mistake or deviation from what is correct. For example, a manufacturing defect is a flaw in the product, while a user error is a mistake made by the user.