is defective

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is defective" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an object, product, or system that is not functioning properly or has a flaw. Example: "The product I received is defective and does not work as advertised."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is defective corporate governance".

The New York Times

The system, itself, is defective.

The Guardian

Opinion | The president is defective.

The Washington Post

In most cancer cells, the p53 gene is defective.

The New York Times

"The Iran deal is defective at its core," he concluded.

The New York Times

Please notify staff if a videotape is defective.

Columbia University

Please notify staff if a DVD is defective or unplayable.

Columbia University

But American officials admit that their intelligence is defective.

The Economist

Everybody is defective but if someone reveals their vulnerability, I trust them more.

The Guardian - Books

The book is defective as a memoir; it is something else in fact.

The New York Times - Books

How do you say "this product is defective" in every language?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technical issues, use "is defective" to clearly indicate a malfunction or inherent flaw in a system or component.

Common error

While "is defective" is appropriate in formal and technical writing, consider using more casual alternatives like "is broken" or "isn't working" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is defective" functions as a predicative adjective, attributing a quality of imperfection or malfunction to a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is defective" is a versatile and commonly used expression to denote that something has a flaw or is not functioning correctly. As indicated by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While alternatives like ""is faulty"" or ""is broken"" may be suitable in some situations, "is defective" provides a clear and relatively formal way to communicate the presence of a significant flaw or malfunction. Whether you're describing a product, a system, or even a gene, this phrase provides a concise and effective way to highlight its imperfection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is faulty

Indicates a flaw or imperfection that impairs function, slightly less formal.

is malfunctioning

Specifically describes a failure in proper operation.

is out of order

Commonly used for machinery or systems that are temporarily not working.

is impaired

Suggests a reduced functionality or capability, often in a biological or cognitive context.

is not working

A straightforward and general way to indicate non-functionality.

is broken

Implies a state where something is damaged and no longer functional.

is flawed

Highlights an inherent imperfection or fault.

is deficient

Indicates a lack of something necessary or essential, leading to inadequacy.

has a defect

Focuses on the presence of a specific flaw.

suffers from a defect

Emphasizes the negative impact of the flaw.

FAQs

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

You can use "is defective" to describe an item or system that has a flaw or malfunction, such as "The product I received "is defective" and needs to be replaced".

What are some alternatives to saying "is defective"?

Alternatives include "is faulty", "is malfunctioning", or "is broken". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Which is correct: "is defective" or "has a defect"?

Both "is defective" and "has a defect" are grammatically correct, but "is defective" typically describes the current state, while "has a defect" focuses on the presence of a flaw.

What's the difference between "is defective" and "is damaged"?

"Is defective" implies an inherent flaw or design issue, while "is damaged" suggests harm caused by external factors or wear and tear.