Definitions

defective

[dih-fek-tiv] / dɪˈfɛk tɪv /

ADJECTIVE

broken, not working

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abnormal damaged deficient faulty flawed inadequate insufficient unhealthy unsound

WEAK

amiss blemished impaired imperfect incomplete injured lacking on the bum out of order poor seconds sick subnormal unfinished wanting

Antonyms

STRONGEST

adequate ample enough perfect sound strong sufficient well working

WEAK

excellent faultless flawless unbroken

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But if the batteries overheat or are defective, a fire can result which spreads very quickly and is hard to control.

From BBC • Jun. 25, 2026

Keith Jarrett improvised his celebrated 1975 live album, “The Köln Concert,” on a defective piano.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

Judges at a district court in Hanover ruled in his favour, and said the family of four were entitled to a larger refund on their package holiday as it had been "defective".

From BBC • May 6, 2026

Spirit had another recent problem that wasn’t its fault: the defective engines on the Airbus planes.

From Slate • May 5, 2026

“There, you see? You couldn’t help it if they put you in a defective cage. Come on out.”

From "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH" by Robert C. O'Brien

Vocabulary lists containing defective

Geography and World Regions

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Hello, Universe

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CTE Construction ("Core Curriculum: Introductory Craft Skills,") Vocabulary from Module One

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