defective

Everyday

1. Not working properly because something is wrong with it; having a fault. tree →
2. (old, offensive) Used in the past about people with disabilities; this use is now hurtful and should not be used. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and shopping, a defective product is faulty and can be returned or replaced. In science lessons a defective circuit has a broken part. Phrases: «defective goods», «a defective part», «return a defective item», «defective brakes».

Examples

• The toaster was defective, so we took it back to the shop. tree →
• A defective wire caused the light to flicker. tree →
• The company recalled cars with defective brakes. tree →
• One of the bulbs in the set was defective. tree →
• You can get a refund for defective goods. tree →
• The bike was defective — the chain kept slipping. tree →

Note

Noun: «defect» (a fault). Do not confuse with «deficient» (not having enough). Never use it to describe people. In maths problems, if 3 out of 50 items are defective, 47 are good.