First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1imperfect
adjective im·per·fect \(ˌ)im-ˈpər-fikt\
: having mistakes or problems : not perfect
grammar : of or relating to a verb tense used to express an incomplete action in the past or a state that continued for a period of time in the past
Full Definition of IMPERFECT
1
: not perfect: as a : defective b of a flower : having stamens or pistils but not both c : lacking or not involving sexual reproduction <the imperfect stage of a fungus>
2
: of, relating to, or constituting a verb tense used to designate a continuing state or an incomplete action especially in the past
3
: not enforceable at law
— im·per·fect·ly \-fik(t)-lē\ adverb
— im·per·fect·ness \-fik(t)-nəs\ noun
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Origin of IMPERFECT
alteration of Middle English imparfit, from Latin imperfectus, from in- + perfectus perfect
Related to IMPERFECT
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
2imperfect
noun
Definition of IMPERFECT
: an imperfect tense; also : the verb form expressing it
See imperfect defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of IMPERFECT
1871
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
IMPERFECT[1] Defined for Kids
imperfect
adjective im·per·fect \im-ˈpər-fikt\
Definition of IMPERFECT for Kids
: having a fault of some kind : not perfect
— im·per·fect·ly adverb
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