defect
DEE-fekt
/ˈdiːfɛkt/
A shortcoming, imperfection, or lack that spoils the completeness or utility of something.
Implies a failure to meet design specifications, making the product potentially unsafe or non-functional.
The story behind the word. The word comes from 'deficere', which combines 'de-' (away) and 'facere' (to make or do). It literally means something that was 'un-made' or left incomplete.
Word relationships
- flaw: A flaw is a minor imperfection that may only affect appearance, while a defect often affects functionality or safety.
- perfection: The state of being entirely free of flaws or defects.
Commonly confused with
- bug: A bug is specifically a defect in software code, whereas defect is used for both physical and digital systems.
Word family
- defective (adjective): Imperfect or faulty.
- defection (noun): The desertion of one's country or cause (verb sense).
Collocations
- manufacturing defect
- zero defects
- detect a defect
- latent defect
Example sentences
- "During the quality check, the inspector found a major defect in the wing of the model airplane." Quality control report
Memory hook
Think of a 'de-effected' machine—one where the effect or function has been stripped away by a flaw. A missing piece of perfection.
When not to use
Do not use for subjective aesthetic preferences (e.g., 'I don't like the color' is not a defect unless the spec called for blue and got red).
Fun facts
- In manufacturing, the 'Six Sigma' methodology aims for near-perfection: no more than 3.4 defects per million opportunities.
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