Imperfection: meaning, definitions and examples

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imperfection

 

[ ˌɪmpəˈfɛkʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in art

The quality or state of being imperfect. Imperfection in art can add character and uniqueness to a piece.

Synonyms

flaw, blemish, defect.

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Word Description / Examples
imperfection

Used in general contexts to indicate something that is not perfect, but not necessarily in a harmful or critical way.

  • The slight imperfection in the painting made it unique.
  • Everyone has imperfections, which make them human.

Examples of usage

  • The imperfection of the brush strokes gave the painting a sense of authenticity.
  • The artist embraced the imperfection of the pottery, making each piece one of a kind.
Context #2 | Noun

in personality

A fault, blemish, or undesirable feature. Imperfection in a person's character can make them more relatable and human.

Synonyms

deficiency, weakness, flaw.

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Word Description / Examples
imperfection

This word is generally used for minor faults or shortcomings in objects or people, suggesting that nothing is perfect. It often carries a neutral or slightly negative connotation and can be applied broadly.

  • Every piece of handmade pottery has its own unique imperfections.
  • She accepted her imperfections and continued to work on self-improvement.

Examples of usage

  • Her imperfection made her more approachable and likable.
  • We all have imperfections that make us unique.
Context #3 | Noun

in nature

A flaw or fault in something natural. Imperfection in nature can be a source of beauty and wonder.

Synonyms

blemish, defect, flaw.

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Word Description / Examples
imperfection

Use when talking generally about something that is not perfect. It can refer to both physical and abstract qualities.

  • Her painting had a small imperfection, but it added character
  • We all have imperfections, and that's what makes us human

Examples of usage

  • The imperfection of the leaf's shape made it stand out in the forest.
  • The imperfection of the sunset's colors created a stunning palette.

Translations

Translations of the word "imperfection" in other languages:

🇵🇹 imperfeição

🇮🇳 अपूर्णता

🇩🇪 Unvollkommenheit

🇮🇩 ketidaksempurnaan

🇺🇦 недосконалість

🇵🇱 niedoskonałość

🇯🇵 不完全

🇫🇷 imperfection

🇪🇸 imperfección

🇹🇷 kusur

🇰🇷 불완전

🇸🇦 نقص

🇨🇿 nedokonalost

🇸🇰 nedokonalosť

🇨🇳 不完美

🇸🇮 nepopolnost

🇮🇸 ófullkomleiki

🇰🇿 жетілмегендік

🇬🇪 არასრულყოფილება

🇦🇿 qüsur

🇲🇽 imperfección

Etymology

The word 'imperfection' originated in the late Middle English period from the Latin word 'imperfectio', meaning 'unfinished'. Over time, it came to represent the state of being flawed or incomplete. Imperfection is a concept that has been explored in various forms of art, philosophy, and human relationships, highlighting the beauty and complexity of flaws and faults.

See also: imperfect, perfect, perfecting, perfection, perfectionism, perfectionist, perfectly.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,200, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.