it is defective

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is defective" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an item or product that is not functioning properly or has a flaw. Example: "After testing the device, I found that it is defective and needs to be replaced."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The caveat to these data is that the rom2 ∆ mutant has more cell cell association defects than wsc1 ∆ and, unlike the sensor mutant, it is defective for invasive growth.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Insofar as a conception of the good does not encompass these experiences, it is defective, even delusive".

The New York Times - Books

They showed that a gene connected to transport within the Chlamydomonas flagellum was a close relative of a mouse gene that causes a severe kidney disease when it is defective.

The New York Times - Science

When a reading cannot be obtained from a meter -- either because it is defective or the meter reader could not gain access to it -- the city will send out an estimated bill, Mr. O'Kelly said.

The New York Times

This norm can be regarded as defining an equal right, but like any such right, it is defective.

SEP

What would distinguish different employments of the method approach is their accounts of what features of a choice we appeal to in order to determine whether it is defective.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Recall Korsgaard's artifactual analogy: a chair is something you sit on, and so a chair is defective when you can't sit on it — and of course it's defective as a whole, because its job, as a whole chair, is to be a seat.

SEP

Matthew claimed it was defective.

The New Yorker

"Now it's defective," he announced.

The New York Times

So I took a yeast mutant that couldn't divide because it was defective in the controlling gene.

The New York Times - Science

One time, Bruno told a customer that he couldn't return an ultrasonic rodent deterrent unless it was defective.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a product or system, clearly specify which component or aspect "it is defective" to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "the product is defective", specify "the screen is defective" or "the software is defective".

Common error

Avoid using "it is defective" as a blanket statement without providing specifics. Always follow up with details about the nature of the defect, how it manifests, and its impact on the overall functionality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is defective" functions as a predicate adjective, where "it" is the subject and "defective" is the adjective describing the subject's state. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is defective" serves as a clear and direct way to communicate that something is not functioning correctly due to an inherent flaw. As Ludwig AI affirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across numerous contexts. Its neutral-to-formal register makes it suitable for both professional and general communication, while specifying details about the nature of the defect will avoid ambiguity. As shown by examples in Ludwig, "it is defective" finds its use in science, news and wiki contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is faulty

Replaces "defective" with "faulty", suggesting a flaw or imperfection.

it is malfunctioning

Replaces "defective" with a verb phrase indicating an active state of improper functioning.

it is broken

Suggests that something is no longer in working condition.

it is out of order

Indicates that something is not currently functioning correctly.

it does not work

A simple and direct way to state that something is not functioning.

it has a defect

Focuses on the existence of a specific flaw or imperfection.

it is impaired

Indicates that something's functionality is reduced or weakened.

it is substandard

Suggests that something does not meet the required quality or performance level.

it is imperfect

Highlights the lack of perfection or flawlessness.

it fails to meet specifications

More formal, indicating a failure to comply with defined requirements.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is defective" to describe an item or product that is not functioning properly or has a flaw. For example: "After testing the device, I found that "it is defective" and needs to be replaced."

What can I say instead of "it is defective"?

You can use alternatives like "it is faulty", "it is malfunctioning", or "it is broken" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it is defective" or "it has a defect"?

Both phrases are correct. "It is defective" describes the state of something, while "it has a defect" emphasizes the presence of a specific flaw.

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

"It is defective" implies an inherent flaw in design or manufacturing, while "it is damaged" suggests the item was harmed after production.