im·per·fect
(ˌ)im-ˈpər-fikt 
1
2
: of, relating to, or constituting a verb tense used to designate a continuing state or an incomplete action especially in the past
The Spanish word bailábamos ("we were dancing, we used to dance") is in the imperfect tense.
3
: not enforceable by law : enforceable only under certain conditions
That obligation would be a constitutional duty and a political obligation, but not a legally enforceable one. In legal terms, it would be described as a "duty of imperfect obligation."—
Anne Twomey
Anne Twomey
plural imperfects
1
: something that is flawed or imperfect
Much of what the company sells are "imperfects," or produce that's too small, too big or oddly shaped but perfectly good to eat.—Gloria Dawson
Gloria Dawson2
: an imperfect (see imperfect entry 1 sense 2) tense
a verb in the imperfect
also
: the verb form expressing it
Imperfects are used to indicate ongoing or repeated past action.
Examples of imperfect in a Sentence
Adjective
It's an imperfect solution to a difficult problem.
He had an imperfect understanding of the task.
In “He was singing when I came in,” “was singing” is in the imperfect tense.
Recent Examples on the Web
Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Nov. 2024
The Pax Americana was ever imperfect and to many people in the world, from Vietnam to Iraq, smacked of hypocrisy.
—Andreas Kluth, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
Jon Brodkin, Ars Technica, 25 Aug. 2023
But in 2002, a single study, its design imperfect, found links between hormone therapy and elevated health risks for women of all ages.
—Susan Dominus, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2023
See all Example Sentences for imperfect 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adjective
Her Millie is imperfect, damaged and human, not to mention quite adroit at code switching with her accent and vernacular.
—Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Nov. 2024
The Pax Americana was ever imperfect and to many people in the world, from Vietnam to Iraq, smacked of hypocrisy.
—Andreas Kluth, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
Noun
On the whole, Google's spam filter, though in this instance imperfect, is not morally blameworthy.
—Jon Brodkin, Ars Technica, 25 Aug. 2023
But in 2002, a single study, its design imperfect, found links between hormone therapy and elevated health risks for women of all ages.
—Susan Dominus, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2023
See all Example Sentences for imperfect
Articles Related to imperfect
Dictionary Entries Near imperfect
Cite this Entry
“Imperfect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imperfect. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
imperfect
1 of 2 adjective
im·per·fect
(ˈ)im-ˈpər-fikt
1
: not perfect:
a
: defective
imperfect clothing
b
: having stamens or pistils but not being a flower with both
2
: of, relating to, or being a verb tense used to express a continuing state or an incomplete action especially in the past
imperfect
2 of 2 noun
: the imperfect tense of a verb or a verb in this tense
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share