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adj Uncommon

imperfect

ihm-PUR-fihkt

Imperfect (adj) means not perfect; having flaws. Example: “Even an imperfect plan is better than no plan at all.”

adj
1
Not perfect; having flaws.
"Even an imperfect plan is better than no plan at all."
noun
1
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

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishFlawed or incomplete — or, in grammar, the tense for past actions that were ongoing rather than finished.

Common pairings
imperfect solution imperfect world imperfect tense

Word forms

more imperfect comparative, imperfected past tense, imperfects plural, imperfects singular, most imperfect superlative

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Even an _____ plan is better than no plan at all.

Etymology

From Old French imparfit, from Latin imperfectus; im- + perfect.

Origin: Latin

progressive imperfect tense continuous tense progressive tense

Related words

Rhymes for imperfect

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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.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial