has a defect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has a defect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an item, product, or system that has a flaw or imperfection. Example: "The product has a defect that affects its performance, and we need to address it immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

But it is worth noting that the liberal side has a defect of its own.

The Economist

If an orange has a defect on the outside of the skin, you are going to peel off the skin anyway".

The Guardian

If it has a defect, they think they can send it back .It is certainly true that the men tend to be older, often much older.

The Economist

He has "a defect in his nature that travel has turned into a condition," and his eye is continually drawn to "tiny threatening details": shoe prints on a floor, a cracked brick wall, the blisters on his feet.

The New Yorker

A strain of mice bred by John Kopchick of Ohio University has a defect in the growth hormone receptor gene, just as do the Laron patients, and lives 40 percent longer than usual.

The New York Times - Science

That depends.A land grab, but it saves lives tooIn this section Sincere deceivers The wall and the law Too stern a hand Thirty-five hofrs of misery Talking the talk Reprints Related items Israeli politics: The two old foxesJul 15th 2004If the court's ruling has a defect, it is its curiously brusque disposal of Israel's claim that it needs the barrier for self-defence.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Now, if I have a defect, I work at it.

The New York Times - Sports

The law had a defect: it never explained how patients could legally buy the drug.

The New York Times

"At this point, it looks like they had a defect in the pipe," he said.

The New York Times

"If ultimately you want to use autonomous vehicles, we need to make sure they don't have a defect".

The Guardian - Tech

Some of them may have a defect in osteocalcin or its receptor that underlies their conditions.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technical issues, be specific about what "has a defect". Instead of a general statement, identify the exact component or process affected for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "has a defect" without specifying what the defect is. Instead of saying "the system has a defect", clarify with "the system has a defect in its error-handling routine".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has a defect" functions as a predicate within a sentence, attributing a specific condition (the presence of a defect) to a subject. It is used to describe something that is not working correctly or is imperfect. According to Ludwig, this phrase is frequently used across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has a defect" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression for indicating that something is flawed or imperfect. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various domains, particularly in scientific and news contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to specify the nature of the defect to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives like "exhibits a flaw" or "contains a fault" can provide nuanced ways to express the same concept. Understanding the context and intended audience is key to choosing the most appropriate phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contains a fault

Highlights the presence of a flaw within something. This changes the perspective and emphasizes the containing nature of the object.

is impaired

This term is a bit more generic, but directly references the possibility of a specific function or characteristic being negatively affected.

exhibits a flaw

Focuses on the act of showing or displaying the defect, rather than simply possessing it. Shift in emphasis from state to action.

displays a deficiency

Highlights the lack of something essential or expected. This frames the defect as an inadequacy.

possesses an imperfection

Uses more formal vocabulary, emphasizing the existence of a flaw. This changes the tone into something more elevated.

shows an irregularity

Implies a deviation from the norm or expected pattern. This makes the issue more systemic and pattern oriented.

suffers from an impairment

Suggests a more significant problem, where the defect is causing a negative impact. This adds a layer of consequence.

is affected by a malfunction

Specifies that the defect is causing improper functioning. This makes the issue more technical and action oriented.

reveals an anomaly

Indicates that the defect is unusual or unexpected. This changes the focus to the unexpected nature of the flaw.

presents a blemish

Implies a superficial or aesthetic flaw. This suggests that the defect is primarily visual.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "has a defect"?

Alternatives include "exhibits a flaw", "contains a fault", or "displays a deficiency" depending on the specific context.

How can I use "has a defect" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a product, system, or process that is not working correctly. For example: "The newly manufactured car has a defect in its braking system."

Which is more appropriate, "has a defect" or "is defective"?

Both are correct, but "is defective" is often more concise. "Has a defect" is useful when you want to specify what the defect is, while "is defective" is a general statement.

What's the difference between "has a defect" and "has a flaw"?

While similar, "defect" often implies a more significant or functional problem, whereas "flaw" can refer to a minor or cosmetic issue. For instance, a phone "has a defect" if it won't turn on, but it "has a flaw" if it has a small scratch.