Meaning & Definition of word "Imperfect"

Imperfect

/ɪmˈpɜːrfɪkt/

noun:

  • 1. a verb form or grammatical mood that expresses ongoing, habitual, or incomplete actions.
    • Example: In his essay, he described how the imperfect is used in Latin to convey continuous past actions.

adjective:

  • 1. not perfect; having flaws or shortcomings.
    • Example: The artist's representation of the landscape was beautiful, but it maintained an imperfect quality that gave it character.
  • 2. not complete or finished.
    • Example: The project's imperfect implementation led to several technical issues during the demonstration.
  • 3. in grammar, relating to a verb form that describes an ongoing or incomplete action.
    • Example: In Spanish, the imperfect tense is used to describe actions that were ongoing in the past.

Etymology

Derived from Latin 'imperfectus', meaning 'not completed'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

imperfect tense:

A grammatical tense used to indicate action that was ongoing or habitual in the past.

imperfect system:

A system that has inherent flaws or limitations.

imperfect world:

A world that is not ideal, filled with flaws and imperfections.

Related Words

perfection:

The state of being perfect; flawlessness.

imperfectly:

In a way that is not perfect.

imperfection:

A flaw or defect.

Slang Meanings of imperfect

Meaning: Imperfectly done or completed.

Example Sentence: That project was a bit imperfect – we’ll need to revise it.

Meaning: An expression of acceptance of flaws.

Example Sentence: Life's imperfect, and that's what makes it interesting.