imperfect
UK: ɪmˈpɜːfɪkt | US: ɪmˈpɜːrfɪkt
adj. not perfect; having flaws or defects
adj. (Grammar) denoting a verb tense used to describe ongoing or incomplete actions in the past
n. something that is imperfect
The word "imperfect" originated in Late Middle English via Old French imperfit, from Latin imperfectus (unfinished). The prefix im- negates the root perfect, originally meaning "thoroughly made" in Latin. Over time, it evolved to describe anything incomplete or flawed, retaining its grammatical use for past continuous actions.
The vase was beautiful but imperfect, with a tiny crack near the base.
In Spanish, the imperfect tense describes habitual past actions.
His imperfect understanding of the rules led to mistakes.
Nature embraces the imperfect, finding beauty in asymmetry.
The artist deliberately left the painting imperfect to convey raw emotion.