is imperfect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is imperfect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not perfect or has flaws. Example: "The design of the product is imperfect, but it still serves its purpose well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The law is imperfect.

The New York Times

The sound is imperfect".

The New York Times - Arts

Video is imperfect.

The New York Times

The Times is imperfect.

The New York Times

Medicine is imperfect.

The New Yorker

"The pact is imperfect.

The Guardian - Business

Every election is imperfect.

The New York Times

This simulation is imperfect.

The Guardian

Technology is imperfect.

The Washington Post

The system is imperfect".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But polls are imperfect.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is imperfect", consider specifying the area or aspect in which something is imperfect to provide more clarity and context. For example, instead of saying "The system is imperfect", specify "The system is imperfect in its handling of edge cases".

Common error

Avoid using "is imperfect" as a dismissive statement without further explanation. Clearly articulate the specific imperfections and their impact to maintain credibility and provide constructive criticism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is imperfect" functions as a predicative adjective, describing the state or condition of a subject. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it indicates that something possesses flaws or is not ideal. For example, "The system is imperfect."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

28%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is imperfect" is a versatile and frequently used expression to denote that something has flaws or is not ideal, without being entirely negative. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted. This phrase appears most often in news and media, science, and academic contexts, suggesting its suitability for various registers. While "is imperfect" is generally acceptable, remember to specify the area of imperfection to provide clarity and context. Consider alternatives like "is flawed" or "is not perfect" for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is flawed

This alternative directly indicates the presence of faults or defects.

is not perfect

This is a straightforward negation of perfection, similar in meaning.

has shortcomings

This phrase emphasizes the deficiencies or limitations of something.

is not ideal

This indicates that while functional, something could be better.

is less than ideal

Emphasizes the gap between the current state and a more desirable one.

is deficient

This suggests a lack of something essential or necessary.

is wanting

This implies that something is lacking or not up to par.

is not without its faults

This acknowledges the existence of flaws while implying that they may not be critical.

leaves something to be desired

Highlights that there is room for improvement.

is not up to scratch

Indicates something doesn't meet the required standard or quality (more informal).

FAQs

What are some alternatives to saying "is imperfect"?

You can use alternatives like "is flawed", "is not perfect", or "has shortcomings" depending on the context.

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

Use "is imperfect" to describe something that has flaws or is not ideal. For example: "The design "is imperfect", but it still functions well".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "is imperfect"?

It's appropriate when you want to acknowledge that something has deficiencies, but you don't want to be overly critical or negative. It suggests a balanced perspective recognizing both strengths and weaknesses.

What is the difference between "is imperfect" and "is broken"?

"Is imperfect" implies the existence of flaws that don't necessarily prevent functionality, whereas "is broken" suggests that something is non-functional or severely damaged. Something that "is imperfect" can still be used, while something that is broken usually cannot.