Vajavaisessa

Vajavaisessa is the inessive form of the Finnish adjective vajavainen, used to describe something that is in a deficient or defective state. The term is common in technical, mechanical, and formal descriptive writing and is rarely applied to people, as it can be considered pejorative when used about individuals. For human conditions, Finnish typically uses terms like vammainen to denote disability.

Etymology and meaning: The word derives from vajavuus, meaning deficiency or flaw, and vajavainen, meaning defective or imperfect. It conveys a temporary or diagnosable state rather than an intrinsic quality.

Usage: In Finnish writing, vajavaisessa tilassa or vajavaisessa järjestelmässä means “in a defective state” or “in a deficient condition.” It can describe devices, software, systems, or processes that require repair or further development. Typical examples include: Kone on vajavaisessa tilassa and sitä on korjattava (The machine is in a defective state and needs to be repaired). Järjestelmä on vajavaisessa tilassa, ja käyttäjät voivat kohdata virheitä (The system is in a deficient state, and users may encounter errors).

Nuance: The form emphasizes current condition and potential remediation rather than an intrinsic or permanent defect. It is distinct from more neutral or permanent descriptors and from terms relating to human disability, where vajavainen is less appropriate for people.

See also: vajavuus, vajavainen, vammaisuus.

References: Kielitoimiston sanakirja and other Finnish language resources.