defect Definition
- 1a shortcoming, imperfection, or lack that causes someone or something to be incomplete or faulty
- 2to abandon one's country or cause in favor of an opposing one
Using defect: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "defect" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The product was recalled due to a manufacturing defect.
Example
The team's defense had a major defect that led to their loss.
Example
He defected to the enemy's side during the war.
defect Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using defect
defect from the herd
to break away from a group or society and form one's own path
Example
She decided to defect from the herd and pursue her own dreams, despite the disapproval of her family.
make up for a defect
to compensate for a shortcoming or weakness
Example
Her hard work made up for her lack of experience, compensating for the defect in her resume.
defect of memory
a lapse or failure in one's ability to remember something
Example
His defect of memory caused him to forget important details about the incident.
Phrases with defect
birth defect
a physical or mental abnormality present at birth
Example
The baby was born with a heart defect.
defect of character
a negative trait or flaw in a person's personality
Example
His lying was a major defect of character.
defect of vision
a visual impairment or disorder
Example
She had a defect of vision that required corrective lenses.
Origins of defect
from Latin 'defectus', meaning 'failure'
Summary: defect in Brief
The term 'defect' [dɪˈfɛkt] refers to shortcomings or imperfections that cause incompleteness or faults. It can describe physical or mental abnormalities, as in 'birth defect,' or negative traits, as in 'defect of character.' 'Defect' can also mean to abandon one's country or cause in favor of an opposing one, as in 'He defected to the enemy's side during the war.' Idioms like 'defect from the herd' and 'make up for a defect' extend its usage.