Gebrekkig

Gebrekkig is a Dutch adjective meaning defective, faulty, or imperfect. It is used to describe things that do not function properly, fail to meet standards, or are incomplete or unreliable. The term can apply to physical objects such as machines or products, to processes or systems, and to information or data that is inaccurate or insufficient.

Etymology and usage: Gebrekkig is derived from the noun gebrek, meaning defect, deficiency, or fault, with the suffix -ig forming an adjective. In everyday and technical language, gebrekkig is common when discussing malfunctions, flaws, or shortcomings. It can describe tangible shortcomings (a gebrekkige machine) as well as abstract deficiencies (gebrekkige gegevens, gebrekkige procedures). In context, the degree of severity can range from minor flaws to fundamental defects, with more severe cases sometimes described with stronger terms like ernstig defect or niet werkend.

Related terms and nuances: The noun gebrekkigheid (defectiveness, deficiency) is used to refer to the presence of faults or flaws in a system or dataset. Gebrekkig often carries a negative connotation, signaling substandard quality or reliability, and it is frequently encountered in product reviews, quality control, software testing, and audits. While the term is neutral enough for technical writing, speakers may opt for more precise descriptors depending on the domain, such as defect, faltering, or incomplete, to convey exact shortcomings.