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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- imperfects
- Third person singular
- imperfects
- Past tense
- imperfected
- Comparative
- more imperfect
- Superlative
- most imperfect
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Even an _____ plan is better than no plan at all.
Etymology
From Old French imparfit, from Latin imperfectus; im- + perfect.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for imperfect
See all rhymes for 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.
