imperfect

Imperfect is an adjective meaning not perfect or lacking the quality, accuracy, or completeness expected of something considered ideal. It can describe the state of a thing that has flaws, is incomplete, or deviates from a standard of perfection. The noun form imperfection (or imperfections) refers to a fault or flaw itself. The term is used across many domains, and its precise meaning depends on context.

In grammar and linguistics, imperfect is used to describe aspect or tense that expresses ongoing, habitual, or incomplete actions in the past. Many languages distinguish imperfect from perfect forms; for example, Latin and Spanish have imperfect tenses or imperfective aspects that convey that an action was in progress or repeated, rather than completed. The exact conjugation and use vary by language.

In philosophy, ethics, and aesthetics, perfection is often discussed as an ideal; imperfection is inherent to human conditions and to the natural world. Discussions of imperfection explore limits, variability, and the value of flaws in character, art, or design. In daily use, calling something imperfect acknowledges its flaws while still permitting utility, value, or beauty.

In science and engineering, imperfections can refer to defects in materials, measurement errors, or deviations during manufacturing. The term is also used in quality control to denote sample variations that are not fatal but indicate potential reliability issues. Etymology: from Latin imperfectus, past participle of perficere, to complete, with negation prefix in-.