Defect: meaning, definitions and examples

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defect

[ˈdiːfekt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in manufacturing

A flaw or imperfection that impairs worth or utility; a shortcoming or weakness.

Synonyms

flaw, imperfection, weakness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
defect	Often used to describe a serious fault or deficiency in something, particularly when discussing manufactured products or systems. It can also refer to a personal shortcoming or failing. The car was recalled due to a manufacturing defect in the braking system. His biggest defect is his inability to apologize.
flaw	Mostly used to describe minor faults or shortcomings, either in objects or in someone's character. It often implies that the thing with the flaw is otherwise good or functional. There is a small flaw in the gemstone, which makes it less valuable. Her only flaw is that she can be a bit too trusting.
imperfection	Used to describe small faults or irregularities that make something not perfect. It emphasizes that perfection was not achieved. Despite the imperfections on the surface, the table is still quite beautiful. He embraces his imperfections and works constantly to improve himself.
weakness	Often used to describe a lack of strength or ability, either physically, mentally, or in the context of a skill. It can be seen both in people and things. His main weakness is his lack of patience. The weakness of the argument became apparent after closer examination.

Examples of usage

There was a defect in the product that caused it to malfunction.
The defect in the car's engine was a major safety concern.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in legal terms

A lack of something necessary for completeness; a deficiency.

Synonyms

deficiency, flaw, shortcoming.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
defect	Typically refers to a fault or problem in something, usually in a product or a machine, often implying it was not intended. Can also refer to a moral or character flaw. The manufacturer issued a recall due to a defect in the car's braking system. His biggest defect is his inability to admit when he's wrong.
deficiency	Used to describe a lack or shortage of something necessary. Often used in health-related contexts to describe the lack of vital nutrients or elements. She was diagnosed with a vitamin D deficiency. The project was delayed due to a deficiency in available resources.
shortcoming	Refers to a failure or limitation in regards to one's abilities, character, or a plan. Often used to suggest that something or someone does not meet certain standards or expectations. Despite his many virtues, his impatience is a significant shortcoming. The report highlights the shortcomings of the current system.
flaw	Indicates a minor fault or imperfection in something, which may affect its overall quality or function. Often used in more figurative contexts as well. There is a flaw in the diamond, which reduces its value. The plan was good, but it had one significant flaw.

Examples of usage

The contract was terminated due to a defect in the agreement.
The defect in the evidence led to the case being dismissed.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

in manufacturing

To abandon or renounce allegiance, duty, etc.; to desert; to quit.

Synonyms

abandon, betray, desert.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
defect	Defect is used when someone leaves their country, organization, or group, often to join an opposing one. It typically implies a significant change in loyalty. He decided to defect to the other side during the war. Several athletes defected from their teams and moved to another country.
desert	Desert is used when someone leaves a place, person, or organization, typically in a way that implies treachery, irresponsibility, or cowardice. This word has a negative connotation. The soldiers were punished for deserting their post. He felt deeply betrayed when his partner deserted him in his time of need.
abandon	Abandon is used when someone leaves a person, place, or thing completely and often suddenly. It is often associated with neglect or irresponsibility. She had to abandon her car in the snowstorm. The sailors were forced to abandon ship.
betray	Betray is used when someone breaks trust by being disloyal to someone who trusted them. It carries a strong negative connotation. He betrayed his best friend by sharing his secret. The spy was caught and accused of betraying his country.

Examples of usage

He defected from his company to join a competitor.
The soldier defected to the enemy's side.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'defectus', meaning 'to fail', highlighting its connection to failures.
Originally used in English in the late 14th century to refer to moral failings.
The suffix '-fect' relates to doing or making, as in 'affect' or 'perfect', contrasting the idea of lack.

Science

In physics, a defect can refer to irregularities in a crystal structure that affect its properties.
Defects in materials can lead to failure in engineering, making it crucial to test devices for flaws.
Genetic defects can lead to inherited health conditions, reshaping how we understand biological processes.

Psychology

In mental health, a 'defect' might refer to perceived shortcomings, impacting self-esteem and identity.
Cognitive biases can lead individuals to focus on defects rather than strengths, affecting their outlook.
The concept of defectiveness can be tied to societal standards, which may define flaws based on cultural norms.

Pop Culture

In many movies, characters with defects often go on journeys of self-acceptance, highlighting personal growth.
The term can appear in various TV shows to describe a character's moral flaws or shortcomings.
Video games sometimes feature characters that have defects, which can serve as plot devices to promote inclusion.

Engineering

Defect management is crucial in software development to ensure products meet users' expectations.
Quality control processes are focused on identifying and correcting defects before a product reaches customers.
In manufacturing, defects can lead to recalls, illustrating the importance of rigorous testing methods.

Translations

Translations of the word "defect" in other languages:

🇵🇹 defeito

falha
imperfeição

🇮🇳 त्रुटि

दोष
कमज़ोरी

🇩🇪 Fehler

Mangel
Defekt

🇮🇩 cacat

kekurangan
kerusakan

🇺🇦 дефект

вада
недолік

🇵🇱 defekt

wada
błąd

🇯🇵 欠陥 (けっかん)

不具合 (ふぐあい)
欠点 (けってん)

🇫🇷 défaut

imperfection
anomalie

🇪🇸 defecto

falla
imperfección

🇹🇷 kusur

arıza
eksiklik

🇰🇷 결함 (gyeolham)

흠 (heum)
결점 (gyeoljeom)

🇸🇦 خلل

عيب
نقص

🇨🇿 vada

chyba
nedostatek

🇸🇰 vada

chyba
nedostatok

🇨🇳 缺陷 (quēxiàn)

缺点 (quēdiǎn)
瑕疵 (xiácī)

🇸🇮 napaka

pomanjkljivost
defekt

🇮🇸 galli

skortur
bilun

🇰🇿 ақау

кемшілік
ақаулық

🇬🇪 ხარვეზი

დეფექტი
ნაკლი

🇦🇿 qüsur

nasazlıq
nöqsan

🇲🇽 defecto

falla
imperfección

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,103, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

...
4100 mild
4101 insects
4102 generous
4103 defect
4104 slip
4105 clock
4106 examining
...