imperfect

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "imperfect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is flawed or less than perfect. For example, "This project is far from complete; it is still very imperfect".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We have scrutinised the care of any patient where we think there might have been imperfect care and the trust is in contact with all of the patients who have suffered significant suboptimal care.

The Guardian

According to Matthew Dennison in the Times: "What exonerates this structurally imperfect book is its tangible emotion: John's grief as he witnesses Mary's 'disappearance' and the author's intense love for the county of his birth".

The Guardian - Books

More's description of him, laced with Tudor contempt for the physically imperfect – "little of stature, ill-fetured of limmes, croke-backed" – informed the lines Shakespeare gives to Queen Margaret, who calls him a "poisonous bunch back'd toad" and a "bottled spider".

The Guardian - Film

It is up to us to find it in all its rich and imperfect forms: in silence, with strangers, in ways that might not feel comfortable.

The Guardian - Opinion

To a great extent stability was imposed on Malaysia; and there are plenty who would argue that, although imperfect, it worked.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cohen, a former controller of BBC1 and BBC3, who commissioned shows such as Call the Midwife and Last Tango in Halifax, said the licence fee-funded broadcaster was an "imperfect institution and 'critical friends' are an important way for us to keep improving.

The Guardian

Nonetheless politics is a deeply problematic and imperfect business.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the 70 years that I have been voting in elections I've learned that democracy, no matter how imperfect, does reflect the will of the people.

The Guardian - Opinion

Using an algorithm to scan posts for markers of abuse is possible, but like any algorithm, inevitably imperfect.

The Guardian - Opinion

Of course that is partly because we know more about cheating in athletics – its drug testing, while imperfect, is better than in most sports.

The Guardian - Sport

"We had been doing exactly as any responsible, professional journalist would – recording and trying to make sense of the unfolding events with all the accuracy, fairness and balance that our imperfect trade demands".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "imperfect", consider the specific type of imperfection you want to convey (e.g., "flawed design" versus "incomplete information") for greater precision.

Common error

Avoid using "imperfect" as a catch-all term for any kind of flaw. Instead, use more specific adjectives like "faulty", "deficient", or "incomplete" to provide a clearer understanding of the problem.

Linguistic Context

The word "imperfect" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that they are not flawless or complete. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes something that has shortcomings or is less than ideal. The examples show its use in contexts ranging from healthcare to politics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "imperfect" is a versatile adjective used to describe something that isn't flawless, and it sees frequent use across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in written English. As the examples demonstrate, it commonly appears in news, business, and scientific domains. While similar to "flawed" or "deficient", "imperfect" offers a more general description of something not meeting full expectations. When writing, using more specific terms can help convey the specific nature of the imperfection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not perfect

A straightforward way of stating the absence of perfection, emphasizing the lack of flaws.

flawed

Emphasizes the presence of a defect or fault that diminishes the overall quality.

deficient

Highlights a lack or shortage of something essential or necessary.

faulty

Indicates a defect in design, construction, or operation, leading to malfunction.

suboptimal

Suggests something is less than the best or ideal; not achieving its full potential.

incomplete

Focuses on the state of being unfinished or lacking some necessary part.

defective

Highlights a flaw that impairs function or value, making it unusable or less effective.

with shortcomings

Acknowledges the presence of limitations or weaknesses that affect performance or quality.

blemished

Implies a surface flaw or imperfection that detracts from appearance.

tarnished

Suggests a loss of luster or quality, often due to age or negative influence.

FAQs

How can I use "imperfect" in a sentence?

You can use "imperfect" to describe something that has flaws or is not ideal. For example: "The system is not fully tested, so it's still "imperfect"." or "Despite its flaws, the product is functional and "imperfect"."

What are some alternatives to the word "imperfect"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "flawed", "deficient", "faulty", or "incomplete". Choose the word that best fits the specific type of imperfection you want to convey.

Which is correct, "imperfect solution" or "unperfect solution"?

"Imperfect solution" is the correct and commonly used phrase. "Unperfect" is not a standard word in English.

What's the difference between "imperfect" and "not perfect"?

"Imperfect" implies the presence of specific flaws or shortcomings, while "not perfect" simply states the absence of perfection without necessarily specifying the nature of the flaws.