de·fec·tive
di-ˈfek-tiv
1
a
: having a defect or flaw : imperfect in form, structure, or function
replaced a defective light switch
products manufactured with defective materials
defective intestinal absorption
a defective gene
b
dated, now offensive
: having a physical or mental impairment
2
grammar
: lacking one or more of the usual forms of inflection (see inflection sense 2)
Must is a defective verb.
defectively
adverb
defectiveness
noun
1
: something that is imperfect in form, structure, or function
… if we examine 18 items off the production line, we may be interested in the number of defectives we observe …—Lloyd Jaisingh
2
dated, now offensive
: a person having a physical or mental impairment
Cite this Entry
“Defective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defective. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
