defective item

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defective item" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a product or object that is faulty or not functioning as intended. Example: "The store has a policy for returning defective items within 30 days of purchase."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Coupon in hand, she wanted to use the slip — which had been mailed to her by a product manufacturer — so she could replace a defective item.

The Washington Post

Cost for returning a defective item.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

Salvage value per defective item, ν < c.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

Only the product manufacturer can replace any DEFECTIVE item missing the UPC sticker.

TechCrunch

Sometimes it's simply listening to them even more, other times it means exchanging a defective item for a new one.

Forbes

Later work focused on slight variations of the classical model such as noisy group testing, where a positive result may not always correspond to the presence of a defective item due to "noise" in the test output [21 24].

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

It is assumed that an arrival order lot may contain some defective items and the number of defective items is a random variable.

Decision Support Systems

If the number of defective items is low, the entire lot will be accepted.

Britannica

If the number of defective items is high, the entire lot will be rejected.

Britannica

A sample of parts will be taken and the number of defective items counted.

Britannica

Among defective items, reworkable items could be reworked once, and again an inspection is carried out.

Mathematical and Computer Modelling

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "defective item", be specific about the nature of the defect. For example, instead of saying "the item was defective", specify "the item had a defective motor" or "the item's screen was defective".

Common error

Avoid using "defective item" as a catch-all term without providing details. Always specify what makes the item defective to ensure clear communication and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defective item" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "defective" modifies the noun "item". As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a standard way to refer to a faulty product. It identifies a specific type of item that does not meet the required standards of quality or functionality.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

28%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "defective item" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term to describe a product that is faulty or not functioning as intended. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across various contexts including news, science and general writing, with a neutral register. It's crucial to be specific about the nature of the defect when using this phrase. Alternatives include "faulty product" or "malfunctioning unit". When writing about "defective items", always provide clear and specific details about the problem. Remember that a "defective item" has a manufacturing flaw, while a damaged item has been harmed during shipping, handling, or use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defective component

Highlights the flawed nature of a part used in a larger system.

faulty product

Replaces "item" with "product", emphasizing a manufactured good with a defect.

malfunctioning unit

Substitutes "defective" with "malfunctioning" and "item" with "unit", highlighting operational failure.

impaired object

Uses "impaired" to convey diminished functionality and "object" as a general term for the item.

flawed article

Replaces "defective" with "flawed" and "item" with "article", suggesting an imperfection in its construction.

substandard component

Emphasizes that the "item" is a "component" that doesn't meet quality standards.

non-functional element

Replaces "defective" with "non-functional" and "item" with "element", highlighting the lack of operation.

damaged merchandise

Focuses on physical harm to the "merchandise", suggesting it is no longer sellable.

out-of-order equipment

Specifies that the "item" is "equipment" that is not currently working.

imperfect commodity

Uses "imperfect" to denote the defect and "commodity" as a general term for a traded item.

FAQs

How can I use "defective item" in a sentence?

You can use "defective item" to describe a product that doesn't function correctly. For example: "The customer returned the "defective item" for a full refund".

What are some alternatives to saying "defective item"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "faulty product", "malfunctioning unit", or "impaired object".

Is it appropriate to use "defective item" in formal writing?

Yes, "defective item" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to describe a product that has a manufacturing or functional defect. However, providing specific details about the defect is always better.

What is the difference between "defective item" and "damaged item"?

"Defective item" refers to a product with a manufacturing flaw, while "damaged item" refers to a product that has been harmed during shipping, handling, or use. A "defective item" may not necessarily be damaged, and vice versa.