Word
defective
Meanings
Not working properly; having a fault or damage.
Not made correctly; containing a flaw from production.
Definition
Defective means not working properly or having a fault.
If something is defective, it has a problem that stops it from working as it should. This can be a product with a manufacturing fault or a part that is damaged. People often use it when returning items or reporting problems.
Examples
- The headset was defective, so I returned it the next day.
- They replaced the defective part under warranty.
- If the lock is defective, the door won’t close properly.
- The store apologized for selling a defective item.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse defective (faulty/not working) with defiant (rebellious) because the words look similar.
More adjectives
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
- pragmatic Pragmatic means focused on practical results rather than ideals or theories.
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- cynical Cynical describes believing that people are mainly motivated by self-interest and not sincere.
- apathetic Apathetic means showing little or no interest, concern, or enthusiasm.