Word
imperfection
Phoneticsim·per·fec·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɪmpɝˈfɛkʃən/
UK/ɪmpəfˈɛkʃən/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. a small mistake or a part of something that is not perfect. You use this to describe a tiny flaw in a person, a thing, or a situation.
n. a state or quality of being less than perfect; a specific flaw or defect in an object or person. Often used to describe minor aesthetic or functional flaws.
Examples
“The diamond has a tiny imperfection that makes it unique.”
“The artist chose to keep the small imperfection in the painting because it added a human touch to the work.”
“While the software is technically flawless, its interface contains several minor imperfections that make the user experience feel slightly less intuitive than intended.”
Examples
simple
“The diamond has a tiny imperfection that makes it unique.”
contextual
“The artist chose to keep the small imperfection in the painting because it added a human touch to the work.”
complex
“While the software is technically flawless, its interface contains several minor imperfections that make the user experience feel slightly less intuitive than intended.”
Real-World Examples
“Talking up discipline, artists as lone-gun nonconformists and, above all, the need to accept imperfections of “rough gems” en route, the film feels like a series of notes to self.” “Training on realistic imperfections helps AI recognize true nanoscale structures under real laboratory conditions.” Etymology
From Old French imperfeccion, see im- + perfection.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/imperfection