# defect

/ˈdifɛkt/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/defect
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. a fault or flaw

noun · CEFR B2

a physical problem or mistake in how something was made that stops it from working perfectly.

For teachers: a physical or functional imperfection, flaw, or blemish in a product or system.

- The car was recalled because of a serious defect in the braking system.
- Quality control identified a structural defect in the wing assembly, forcing the manufacturer to halt production until the design could be rectified.

### 2. a shortage

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the amount by which something is less than what is needed.

For teachers: the amount or quantity by which something falls short of a required standard or total.

- The accountant noted a small defect in the final budget totals.
- In geometry, the angular defect of a vertex describes the difference between the sum of the angles and the expected planar total.

## Examples

- The factory replaced the car because of a mechanical defect.
- The quality control team found a minor defect in the screen that caused the colors to look slightly faded.
- Engineers identified a structural defect in the bridge's support beams that necessitated an immediate closure of all four lanes for emergency repairs.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.