ófullkomin

Ófullkomin is an Icelandic adjective meaning not perfect or imperfect. It is formed with the negating prefix ó- attached to fullkominn, which means complete or perfect. The word is used to describe objects, situations, or ideas that lack perfection or have flaws, and it can carry both neutral and evaluative connotations depending on context.

Grammatical notes are typical of Icelandic adjectives: ófullkomin inflects for gender and number and can appear in attributive or predicative position. For example, in a sentence like Þetta verk er ófullkomið, the adjective appears in a predicative form that agrees with the neuter subject. In attributive use before a noun, the form adjusts to the noun’s gender and number in a manner consistent with other Icelandic adjectives.

Usage and nuance-wise, ófullkomin covers a wide range of meanings—from everyday remarks about flaws in a product or plan to more nuanced judgments in art, design, and philosophy. It often signals recognition of limitations while remaining open to value in imperfect states, a perspective that appears in discussions of authenticity, natural beauty, and human fallibility.

In philosophy and aesthetics, the concept of imperfection is frequently juxtaposed with idealized perfection. Ófullkomin thus functions both as a descriptive term and as part of broader debates about how imperfection relates to value, reality, and experience.

See also: fullkominn, imperfection, perfection.