defective items

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defective items" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when referring to items that do not function as they should or to items that do not meet a certain level of quality. For example: "Customers should return any defective items they receive for a full refund."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 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

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

Britannica

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

Surprisingly, few studies have considered the effects of defective items on the production process.

Procedia CIRP

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

Mathematical and Computer Modelling

Due to the defective items and the inspection errors, shortages may sometimes occur.

International Journal of Production Economics

It is established that any nonadaptive GTD needs at least 2n group tests for identifying all the defective items from a group of 2n items having at most 2 defective items.

Journal of Statistical Planning and Inference

In practice the items received in a lot may contain defective items, and the screening process to eliminate the defective items may involve both a Type I and a Type II error.

International Journal of Production Economics

The production system utilizes an inspection subsystem to identify defective items (including reworkable and non-reworkable items) from non-defectives.

Mathematical and Computer Modelling

He was to drop off a container filled with lawn furniture in Streamwood, and haul back "sweep" merchandise — cardboard boxes, defective items, coat hangers — from Chicago.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "defective items" when discussing items that don't meet the set requirements and are not working as intended.

Common error

While "defective items" is widely understood, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In everyday settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "broken things" or "faulty products".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defective items" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig's examples show it commonly acts as the object of a verb or preposition, identifying the specific items that are flawed or non-functional. The Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

79%

Encyclopedias

7%

News & Media

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "defective items" is a noun phrase used to refer to products that don't meet quality standards or function correctly. It is grammatically correct and very common, especially in scientific contexts. Ludwig highlights that it is widely accepted and usable in formal writing. While authoritative sources often use "defective items", consider alternatives like "faulty products" or "substandard goods" depending on the context. When writing, be specific about the type of defects to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

faulty products

Replaces "items" with "products" and "defective" with "faulty", emphasizing the product aspect and the presence of a flaw.

substandard goods

Emphasizes the failure to meet required quality standards.

imperfect merchandise

Uses "merchandise" instead of "items", suggesting a retail context, and "imperfect" to denote the flaw.

non-conforming products

Highlights the failure to adhere to specifications or requirements.

flawed articles

Replaces "items" with "articles" and uses "flawed" to denote imperfections.

damaged goods

Focuses on physical harm rather than functional defects.

out-of-spec products

Indicates that the products do not meet the required specifications.

unsatisfactory units

Shifts the focus to the buyer's dissatisfaction with the product.

non-functional components

Highlights the failure of some of the parts in meeting their purpose.

reject items

Highlights that the products are unacceptable.

FAQs

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

You can use "defective items" to describe products that have flaws or don't work correctly. For example, "Customers who receive "defective items" are entitled to a full refund".

What is a more casual way to say "defective items"?

In more casual contexts, you could use phrases like "faulty products", "broken items", or "things that don't work" instead of "defective items".

Which is correct, "defective items" or "defect items"?

"Defective items" is the correct and commonly used phrase. "Defect items" is not grammatically standard.

What are the potential remedies for receiving "defective items"?

Remedies for receiving "defective items" can include returns, replacements, or refunds, depending on the store's policy and applicable consumer protection laws.