defective definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

de·fec·tive [ di féktiv ]

adjective

Definition:

1. faulty: imperfect or faulty, so not functioning properly or at all

2. offensive term: an offensive term that means having learning difficulties or problems in coping with emotions ( insult )

3. grammar incomplete: lacking the usual or expected range of grammatical inflections

noun (plural de·fec·tives)

Definition:

offensive term: an offensive term for somebody who has learning difficulties or problems in coping with emotions ( insult )

de·fec·tive·ly adverb

de·fec·tive·ness noun

Word Usage


	defective or deficient? Defective is normally used in reference to processes, machines, or to other functional things such as the human senses: If the workmanship is defective, they'll replace the shoes with a new pair.Artillery officers sometimes have defective hearing.Deficient is used to describe things that lack a quality, element, or ingredient, without this amounting to actual failure to work or function: Her voice is beautiful but a little deficient in power.Their diet is deficient in vitamin D.