imperfect
7 synonyms and 1 antonym for imperfect, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Not perfect; having flaws.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adj
Not perfect; having flaws.
“Even an imperfect plan is better than no plan at all.”
Opposites
2. noun
A verb tense describing a past action that was ongoing or repeated.
“French uses the imperfect to describe habitual past actions.”
How to use imperfect
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
imperfect solution
imperfect world
imperfect tense
Etymology
From Old French imparfit, from Latin imperfectus; im- + perfect.
Full origin of imperfect →Frequently asked questions
What does “imperfect” mean?
The word “imperfect” means not perfect; having flaws. In plain terms, flawed or incomplete — or, in grammar, the tense for past actions that were ongoing rather than finished.
How do you pronounce “imperfect”?
“Imperfect” is pronounced ihm-PUR-fihkt (/ɪmˈpɜː(ɹ)fɪkt/ in IPA).
How do you use “imperfect” in a sentence?
Here is “imperfect” used in a sentence: “Even an imperfect plan is better than no plan at all.”
What part of speech is “imperfect”?
Depending on how it is used, “imperfect” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “imperfect” come from?
The word “imperfect” comes from Latin. From Old French imparfit, from Latin imperfectus; im- + perfect.
Is “imperfect” a common word?
“Imperfect” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “imperfect” have?
“Imperfect” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: not perfect; having flaws.
