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imperfect

B1 adjective #23 最常用 10分钟阅读

imperfect

前23

At the A1 level, 'imperfect' is a word you might use to say something is 'not perfect'. Imagine you are drawing a circle. If the circle is a bit wiggly, it is imperfect. If you have an apple with a small brown spot, the apple is imperfect. It is a simple way to describe things that have a small problem but are still okay. You can think of it as 'not 100% good'. For example, 'My English is imperfect' means you make some mistakes, but you can still talk. It is the opposite of 'perfect'. At this level, don't worry about the grammar meaning; just use it to describe things like toys, food, or drawings that have a little fault. It helps you be more specific than just saying 'bad'.

For A2 learners, 'imperfect' helps you describe objects and situations with more detail. You might use it when shopping to talk about 'imperfect' fruit that is cheaper. It is a useful word for talking about your skills. Instead of saying 'I am bad at piano,' you can say 'My piano playing is still imperfect.' This sounds more positive because it suggests you are still learning. You will also start to see it in simple stories to describe characters who are not heroes but have some small faults. Remember, 'imperfect' means there is a flaw, but the thing is usually still useful. It's a great word to use when you want to be honest about a mistake without sounding too negative.

At the B1 level, you can use 'imperfect' in more complex ways. You might use it to discuss abstract ideas like 'an imperfect plan' or 'an imperfect memory'. You understand that 'imperfect' doesn't just mean 'broken'; it means 'not meeting the ideal standard'. This is also the level where you might learn about the 'imperfect tense' in other languages, which describes things that were happening in the past. You can use 'imperfect' to balance your opinions. For example, 'The movie was imperfect, but the acting was great.' This shows you can see both the good and bad parts of something. It is a key word for giving balanced reviews and participating in discussions about social issues or personal experiences.

B2 learners should use 'imperfect' to add nuance to their arguments. In a professional or academic setting, you might talk about 'imperfect data' or 'imperfect competition'. Here, the word takes on a more technical meaning, suggesting that the conditions are not ideal for a perfect result. You can also use it to discuss human nature, such as 'the imperfect nature of democracy'. This shows a high level of understanding of how the world works. You should be comfortable using the adverb 'imperfectly' as well, to describe how an action was performed. At this level, 'imperfect' is a tool for critical thinking, allowing you to acknowledge limitations while still moving forward with a project or an idea.

At the C1 level, 'imperfect' becomes a word of philosophical and stylistic depth. you might use it to discuss the aesthetics of imperfection, like in the concept of 'Wabi-sabi'. You can use it to describe subtle nuances in literature or art, where an 'imperfect' structure might be a deliberate choice by the creator. You will also encounter it in legal or high-level economic texts, where 'imperfect information' refers to a specific state of a market. Your usage should be precise, distinguishing between 'imperfect', 'flawed', and 'fallible'. You can use it to craft sophisticated sentences that explore the gap between human ideals and reality, showing a mastery of both the word's literal and metaphorical meanings.

For C2 speakers, 'imperfect' is a versatile instrument in a vast vocabulary. You use it to navigate the most complex intellectual terrains, from discussing 'imperfect obligations' in moral philosophy to 'imperfect fungi' in biology. You understand the historical evolution of the word and can use it to evoke specific tones in your writing—from the clinical to the poetic. You might use it to critique the 'imperfectability' of human systems or to celebrate the 'imperfect' as the only true form of authenticity. At this level, the word is no longer just a descriptor; it is a conceptual framework through which you can analyze and describe the inherent messiness and beauty of the universe and human existence.

开始练习例句笔记与提示

imperfect 30秒了解

Imperfect means having faults or being incomplete, yet often remaining functional or valuable in its current state.
It is the direct opposite of perfect and is used to describe physical objects, abstract ideas, and human traits.
In specialized fields like grammar or economics, it has specific technical meanings related to ongoing actions or market conditions.
The word is generally neutral or slightly negative, but in art and philosophy, it can be seen as a positive trait.

The word imperfect is a versatile adjective that describes anything falling short of an ideal state or lacking total completeness. At its core, it suggests the presence of faults, defects, or errors. However, the usage of 'imperfect' is rarely purely negative; it often carries a sense of realism, acknowledging that perfection is an unattainable standard in the physical and human world. When we call something imperfect, we are noting that it has blemishes or is unfinished, yet it may still possess significant value, beauty, or utility. This word is essential for navigating discussions about quality, human nature, and even the technical aspects of grammar and law.

The Philosophical Angle: In philosophy and aesthetics, the imperfect is often celebrated. The Japanese concept of 'Wabi-sabi' centers on finding beauty in the imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete. In this context, calling a piece of pottery 'imperfect' is a compliment to its unique character and history.

The artist intentionally left the sculpture in an imperfect state to represent the raw nature of human emotion.

The Commercial Context: In retail, 'imperfect' goods are often sold at a discount. These are items with minor cosmetic flaws—like a scratch on a refrigerator or a misaligned stitch on a shirt—that do not affect the item's primary function. Consumers often seek out 'imperfect' produce to reduce food waste and save money.

Many supermarkets now offer a subscription box for imperfect vegetables that would otherwise be thrown away.

The Grammatical Context: In linguistics, the 'imperfect' is a tense or aspect used to describe ongoing, habitual, or uncompleted actions in the past. It is called 'imperfect' precisely because the action is not 'perfected' or finished within the timeframe being discussed.

When learning Romance languages like French or Spanish, students must master the imperfect tense to describe past habits.

Even a diamond with an imperfect clarity can still sparkle brilliantly under the right light.

Our understanding of the universe remains imperfect, as new discoveries constantly challenge old theories.

Ultimately, the word 'imperfect' serves as a bridge between the ideal and the real. It allows us to categorize things that don't meet a 100% standard while still acknowledging their existence and function. Whether discussing an 'imperfect circle' drawn by a child or an 'imperfect market' in economics where competition isn't quite pure, the word highlights the gap between theory and practice. It is a word of nuance, used by critics, scientists, and everyday people to describe the world as it actually is, rather than how we might wish it to be. By using 'imperfect', we accept the flaws as part of the whole, recognizing that perfection is often a sterile and impossible goal.

Using 'imperfect' correctly involves understanding its role as an adjective that modifies nouns to indicate a lack of flawlessness. It can be used both attributively (before the noun) and predicatively (after a linking verb). Because it is a gradable adjective in some contexts, you can use intensifiers like 'highly,' 'slightly,' or 'notoriously,' though some purists argue that 'perfection' is absolute and therefore 'imperfect' should be too. In practice, however, we often see degrees of imperfection discussed in everyday English.

Attributive Use: This is when 'imperfect' comes directly before the noun it describes. It sets a permanent or characteristic quality of the object.

The collector was happy to buy the imperfect stamp because its rarity outweighed its physical flaws.

Predicative Use: This occurs after verbs like 'to be', 'to seem', or 'to appear'. It often describes a state or a judgment made by the speaker.

Although the plan was well-researched, the execution was imperfect due to lack of funding.

Abstract vs. Concrete: You can use 'imperfect' for physical objects (concrete) or for ideas and systems (abstract). Both are equally common in professional and casual speech.

We live in an imperfect world where justice is not always served immediately.

The scientist admitted that the data set was imperfect but still statistically significant.

Her memory of the event was imperfect, filled with gaps and blurry details.

When structuring sentences, 'imperfect' often pairs with concessive conjunctions like 'although,' 'even though,' or 'despite.' This is because we usually mention an imperfection while highlighting that the thing is still useful or good. For example: 'Despite being imperfect, the old car still gets me to work every day.' This structure acknowledges the flaw but emphasizes the continuing value. Furthermore, 'imperfect' is frequently used in the phrase 'imperfect information' in economics and 'imperfect competition' in business, where it describes scenarios that do not meet the theoretical ideals of a perfectly efficient market. By mastering these patterns, you can use 'imperfect' to provide balanced, realistic descriptions in both academic and social contexts.

'Imperfect' is a staple in various domains, from the arts and sciences to daily commerce and legal discussions. It is a word that professionals use to manage expectations and that artists use to describe the human condition. You will encounter it in environments where quality control is discussed, where history is analyzed, and where personal growth is encouraged. It is a word that signals a move away from idealistic fantasies toward a more grounded, realistic perspective.

In Product Reviews and Retail: Tech reviewers often use 'imperfect' to describe a gadget that has great features but a few annoying bugs. In retail, 'imperfect' is a marketing term for 'factory seconds'—items that are functionally perfect but have cosmetic issues.

The reviewer noted that while the phone's camera was imperfect in low light, the battery life was exceptional.

In Psychology and Self-Help: The 'imperfect' self is a major theme in modern psychology. Therapists often talk about 'the courage to be imperfect,' which means accepting one's flaws rather than striving for an impossible standard of perfection that leads to anxiety.

Learning to accept our imperfect progress is the first step toward genuine happiness.

In Legal and Political Discourse: Politicians often describe laws or treaties as 'imperfect' to justify why they are supporting a compromise. It acknowledges that the solution isn't ideal but is the best available option.

The senator admitted the bill was imperfect but argued it was a necessary step forward.

Historians often have to work with imperfect records that have been damaged over centuries.

In the world of finance, imperfect correlation between assets helps in diversifying a portfolio.

In summary, 'imperfect' is everywhere because perfection is nowhere. You hear it in the kitchen when a chef describes a rustic, 'imperfect' loaf of bread. You hear it in the courtroom when a witness gives an 'imperfect' recollection of a crime. You hear it in the laboratory when a scientist discusses 'imperfect' experimental conditions. It is a word that accommodates the messiness of reality. By listening for it, you'll notice how often we use it to soften a critique or to provide a more accurate, nuanced description of the world around us. It is a word that celebrates the 'good enough' and the 'work in progress,' making it one of the most human words in the English language.

While 'imperfect' is a common word, there are several pitfalls that learners and even native speakers fall into. These mistakes usually involve word formation, confusion with similar-sounding words, or misapplying the word in specific grammatical contexts. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more natural and precise in your communication.

The 'Unperfect' Error: One of the most frequent mistakes is using the prefix 'un-' instead of 'im-'. While 'unperfect' was used in Old English, it is now considered archaic or incorrect. Always use 'imperfect'.

Incorrect: The drawing was unperfect. Correct: The drawing was imperfect.

Confusion with 'Imperfectly': Sometimes speakers use the adjective when they need the adverb. Remember that 'imperfect' describes a noun, while 'imperfectly' describes an action.

He spoke the language imperfectly, but he was understood by everyone.

The 'Imperfect' Tense Trap: In grammar, people often forget that 'imperfect' is a noun as well. If you say 'I am studying the imperfect,' people will assume you are talking about linguistics, not your own flaws.

The teacher explained that the imperfect is used for setting the scene in a story.

Don't say 'an imperfect of a person'; say 'an imperfect person'.

Avoid using 'imperfect' when you mean 'incomplete' in a purely physical sense, like a puzzle missing a piece.

Another subtle mistake is using 'imperfect' to describe something that is actually 'bad'. 'Imperfect' suggests a deviation from a high standard, whereas 'bad' suggests a lack of quality altogether. If a meal is 'imperfect', it might just need a little more salt. If it's 'bad', it's inedible. Finally, be careful with the pronunciation. The stress is on the second syllable: im-PER-fect. Misplacing the stress can make the word hard to recognize for native speakers. By being mindful of these common errors, you can use 'imperfect' with the confidence and precision of a native speaker, ensuring your message is clear and your tone is appropriate for the situation.

English is rich with synonyms for 'imperfect', each carrying a slightly different shade of meaning. Choosing the right alternative depends on whether you are talking about a physical blemish, a character flaw, a technical error, or a conceptual gap. Understanding these comparisons will help you refine your vocabulary and express yourself more accurately.

Imperfect vs. Flawed: 'Flawed' is very close to 'imperfect' but often suggests a more specific, structural, or fundamental weakness. A diamond is 'imperfect' if it has tiny spots; a plan is 'flawed' if its basic logic is wrong.

While the vase was imperfect, the logic behind the argument was deeply flawed.

Imperfect vs. Defective: 'Defective' is a much harsher, more technical term. It implies that something does not work as it should. An 'imperfect' car might have a scratch; a 'defective' car has brakes that don't work.

The store refused to refund imperfect items, but they always replaced defective ones.

Imperfect vs. Incomplete: 'Incomplete' means parts are missing. 'Imperfect' means the parts are there, but they aren't quite right. A puzzle with 99 out of 100 pieces is 'incomplete'. A puzzle where the pieces don't fit well is 'imperfect'.

The report was imperfect because the data was messy, not because it was incomplete.

A faulty wire caused the fire, which is a more specific type of imperfect component.

Her marred reputation made it hard for her to find work, showing how imperfect our social judgments can be.

In summary, while 'imperfect' is a great 'catch-all' word, using these alternatives can make your English more descriptive. Use 'flawed' for logic, 'defective' for machinery, 'incomplete' for missing parts, and 'blemished' for surfaces. If you want to describe a person's tendency to make mistakes, 'fallible' is a sophisticated choice. By expanding your range of synonyms, you can avoid sounding repetitive and provide a clearer picture of exactly what kind of imperfection you are describing. This level of detail is what separates a good English speaker from a great one, allowing you to navigate complex discussions with ease and precision.

How Formal Is It?

正式

中性

非正式

Child friendly

俚语

趣味小知识

The grammatical term 'imperfect' was used as early as the 14th century to describe a tense that represents an action as going on but not completed.

发音指南

UK /ɪmˈpɜː.fekt/

US /ɪmˈpɝː.fekt/

im-PER-fect

押韵词

correct direct collect detect neglect respect select subject

常见错误

Stressing the first syllable: IM-perfect (incorrect).
Pronouncing the 'im' as 'un' (unperfect).
Failing to pronounce the final 't'.
Confusing the adjective pronunciation with the noun/verb stress patterns in other words.
Using a long 'e' sound in the first syllable.

难度评级

阅读 3/5

Commonly found in news and literature, easy to recognize.

写作 4/5

Requires correct prefix 'im-' and understanding of nuance.

口语 3/5

Easy to use in conversation to soften a critique.

听力 2/5

Clear pronunciation, though stress is important.

接下来学什么

前置知识

perfect flaw mistake not good

接下来学习

imperfection flawed defective fallible wabi-sabi

高级

imperfectability asymmetric information past continuous aesthetic

需要掌握的语法

Negative Prefixes

Perfect becomes imperfect (im-), happy becomes unhappy (un-).

Adjective Order

A small, imperfect, wooden toy.

Linking Verbs

The results appear imperfect.

Adverb Formation

Add -ly to the adjective: imperfectly.

Comparative Adjectives

More imperfect (though 'less perfect' is often preferred).

按水平分级的例句

The apple is imperfect, but it tastes good.

L'apple n'est pas parfaite.

Adjective after 'is'.

My drawing of a cat is imperfect.

Mon dessin n'est pas parfait.

Subject + be + adjective.

This toy is imperfect because it is old.

Ce jouet a des défauts.

Using 'because' to explain.

An imperfect circle is still a circle.

Un cercle imparfait.

Adjective before noun.

The box is imperfect, but the gift is okay.

La boîte est abîmée.

Contrast with 'but'.

His English is imperfect.

Son anglais n'est pas parfait.

Possessive adjective + noun.

The table has an imperfect leg.

La table a un pied défectueux.

Adjective modifying 'leg'.

I like this imperfect flower.

J'aime cette fleur imparfaite.

Demonstrative 'this' + adjective.

I bought some imperfect fruit at the market.

Fruits moches.

Plural noun.

The shirt was imperfect, so it was cheap.

La chemise avait un défaut.

Result with 'so'.

Her memory of the movie was imperfect.

Ses souvenirs étaient flous.

Abstract noun 'memory'.

We live in an imperfect world.

Un monde imparfait.

Common collocation.

The cake looked imperfect, but it was delicious.

Le gâteau n'était pas beau.

Linking verb 'looked'.

He gave an imperfect answer to the question.

Une réponse incomplète.

Adjective + noun.

The mirror is imperfect; I can't see clearly.

Le miroir a un défaut.

Semicolon usage.

She is okay with being imperfect.

Elle accepte ses défauts.

Gerund 'being'.

The plan was imperfect, but we decided to try it anyway.

Le plan n'était pas idéal.

Concessive clause.

Scientists often work with imperfect information.

Informations incomplètes.

Professional context.

The translation was imperfect and missed some nuances.

La traduction était approximative.

Compound predicate.

He has an imperfect understanding of the rules.

Une compréhension limitée.

Adjective + abstract noun.

The diamond was discounted because it was imperfect.

Le diamant avait une inclusion.

Passive voice 'was discounted'.

Our house is old and imperfect, but we love it.

Notre maison a ses défauts.

Adjective string.

The law is imperfect and needs to be changed.

La loi est imparfaite.

Modal 'needs to be'.

The recording was imperfect due to the wind.

L'enregistrement était de mauvaise qualité.

Prepositional phrase 'due to'.

The market operates under conditions of imperfect competition.

Concurrence imparfaite.

Economic term.

She accepted the job despite the imperfect salary.

Malgré le salaire insuffisant.

Preposition 'despite'.

The witness provided an imperfect description of the suspect.

Une description peu précise.

Formal register.

The software is still in an imperfect state of development.

En cours de développement.

Prepositional phrase.

The treaty was an imperfect solution to a complex problem.

Une solution imparfaite.

Noun phrase.

His logic was imperfect, leading to a wrong conclusion.

Sa logique était défaillante.

Participle phrase 'leading to'.

The artist embraced the imperfect nature of the clay.

La nature imparfaite de l'argile.

Object of the verb 'embraced'.

We must learn to live with imperfect results.

Résultats non optimaux.

Modal 'must'.

The study's methodology was criticized for being imperfect.

Méthodologie critiquée.

Passive voice + gerund.

The imperfect alignment of the stars was noted by the astronomer.

Alignement imparfait.

Subject noun phrase.

He offered an imperfect apology that didn't satisfy anyone.

Des excuses maladroites.

Relative clause.

The film explores the imperfect lives of ordinary people.

Les vies imparfaites.

Thematic usage.

The data provided an imperfect but useful snapshot of the economy.

Un aperçu imparfait.

Adjective contrast.

The building's imperfect symmetry was a deliberate architectural choice.

Symétrie imparfaite.

Possessive noun phrase.

The historical records are imperfect, leaving much to the imagination.

Archives lacunaires.

Absolute construction.

The imperfect realization of his vision frustrated the director.

La réalisation imparfaite.

Abstract subject.

The doctrine of imperfect obligations suggests duties that are not legally binding.

Obligations imparfaites.

Philosophical term.

The poem's beauty lies in its imperfect meter and raw emotion.

Mètre imparfait.

Aesthetic critique.

The imperfect fungi, or Deuteromycota, lack a known sexual cycle.

Champignons imparfaits.

Biological classification.

The statesman navigated the imperfect peace with great skill.

Une paix précaire.

Metaphorical usage.

The imperfectability of human institutions is a recurring theme in his work.

L'imperfectibilité.

Derived noun usage.

The project was hampered by the imperfect synchronization of the various teams.

Synchronisation imparfaite.

Passive voice + complex noun phrase.

His recollection was an imperfect mirror of the traumatic events.

Un miroir déformant.

Metaphorical noun phrase.

The imperfect consensus reached by the committee was barely enough to proceed.

Consensus imparfait.

Complex subject phrase.

常见搭配

imperfect world

imperfect information

imperfect competition

imperfect memory

imperfect tense

imperfect circle

imperfect data

imperfect understanding

imperfect match

imperfect solution

常用短语

nobodys perfect

perfectly imperfect

imperfect at best

an imperfect fit

imperfect by design

imperfect recall

imperfect knowledge

imperfect justice

imperfect harmony

imperfect beauty

容易混淆的词

imperfect vs unperfect

This is not a standard English word. Always use 'imperfect'.

imperfect vs incomplete

Incomplete means parts are missing; imperfect means parts are there but flawed.

imperfect vs defective

Defective is more serious and usually means something doesn't work.

习语与表达

"rough around the edges"

Having some flaws or lacking polish, but basically good. Very similar to imperfect.

The new intern is a bit rough around the edges.

informal

"warts and all"

Including all the bad or unpleasant features of something. Accepting the imperfect parts.

He wanted a portrait that showed him warts and all.

informal

"a diamond in the rough"

Someone who has great potential but is currently imperfect or unpolished.

That young player is a diamond in the rough.

neutral

"feet of clay"

A hidden flaw in a person who is otherwise greatly admired.

The hero was found to have feet of clay.

literary

"to err is human"

It is natural for people to be imperfect and make mistakes.

Don't be so hard on yourself; to err is human.

formal

"fly in the ointment"

A small flaw that spoils something otherwise perfect.

The long commute is the only fly in the ointment of my new job.

informal

"chink in the armor"

A small but dangerous flaw in a person's character or a system.

His arrogance was the only chink in his armor.

neutral

"glitch in the system"

A small, temporary imperfect function in a machine or process.

There was a glitch in the system that delayed the payments.

informal

"not all it's cracked up to be"

Not as perfect or good as people say it is.

The new restaurant is not all it's cracked up to be.

informal

"patchy at best"

Of poor quality and very imperfect in consistency.

His attendance record was patchy at best.

neutral

容易混淆

imperfect vs impaired

Both start with 'im-' and mean something is not 100%.

Impaired is usually used for biological functions like 'hearing impaired'.

His vision was impaired, making the world look imperfect.

imperfect vs faulty

Both mean having flaws.

Faulty often implies a specific error in a mechanism or logic.

The faulty switch made the light imperfect.

imperfect vs flawed

Very similar meanings.

Flawed is often used for character or deep structural issues.

He is a flawed hero with an imperfect past.

imperfect vs marred

Both describe things that aren't perfect.

Marred usually means something beautiful was spoiled by a mark.

The surface was marred by an imperfect finish.

imperfect vs cracked

A physical type of imperfection.

Cracked is a specific physical damage; imperfect is a general state.

The mirror was cracked and therefore imperfect.

句型

The [noun] is imperfect.

The apple is imperfect.

I have an imperfect [noun].

I have an imperfect memory.

Although it is imperfect, [clause].

Although it is imperfect, it works.

[Noun] is imperfect due to [reason].

The data is imperfect due to errors.

The imperfect nature of [noun] [verb].

The imperfect nature of the study limited its impact.

Embracing the imperfect as a [noun]...

Embracing the imperfect as a stylistic choice...

It was an imperfect [noun] at best.

It was an imperfect solution at best.

The [noun] remains stubbornly imperfect.

The system remains stubbornly imperfect.

词族

名词

动词

形容词

如何使用

frequency

Common in both spoken and written English.

常见错误

Using 'unperfect'. → imperfect
The prefix 'im-' is the correct negative prefix for 'perfect'.
Saying 'I am imperfectly'. → I am imperfect.
Use the adjective 'imperfect' after the verb 'to be' to describe yourself, not the adverb.
Stressing the first syllable: IM-perfect. → im-PER-fect
The stress should be on the second syllable in this adjective.
Using 'imperfect' for a broken machine. → broken / defective
If it doesn't work at all, 'imperfect' is too weak. Use 'broken' or 'defective'.
Confusing 'imperfect' with 'incomplete'. → incomplete
If a piece is missing, use 'incomplete'. If the piece is there but wrong, use 'imperfect'.

小贴士

Be Realistic

Use 'imperfect' when you want to acknowledge that something isn't ideal but you don't want to be overly critical. It shows a balanced perspective.

Prefix Power

Remember that many words starting with 'p' use the 'im-' prefix for the negative (impatient, impossible, imperfect). This is a helpful pattern!

Artistic Flair

In creative writing, use 'imperfect' to describe characters. A character with no flaws is boring; an imperfect character is relatable.

Soften the Blow

If you need to give feedback, saying 'This is still a bit imperfect' sounds much kinder than saying 'This is wrong' or 'This is bad'.

Context Clues

If you hear 'the imperfect' used as a noun in a classroom, the speaker is almost certainly talking about a verb tense.

Avoid Repetition

If you've used 'imperfect' once, try 'flawed' or 'blemished' in the next sentence to keep your writing interesting.

Wabi-Sabi

Research the term 'Wabi-sabi' to see how the concept of 'imperfect' is celebrated in Japanese culture. It's a great conversation topic!

Stress Check

Practice saying 'perfect' (stress on 1st) and 'imperfect' (stress on 2nd). The stress shift is important for being understood.

Save Money

Look for 'imperfect' sections in grocery stores. It's a great way to practice the word while finding deals on food!

Acceptance

Remind yourself that 'imperfect' is the natural state of things. It helps reduce stress when learning a new language!

记住它

记忆技巧

Think of 'IM' as 'I'm' and 'PERFECT'. If you say 'I'm perfect,' you are probably lying because everyone is 'IM-perfect'. The 'IM' cancels out the 'PERFECT'.

视觉联想

Imagine a beautiful red apple with one tiny, brown wormhole. The apple is 95% perfect, but that one spot makes it 'imperfect'.

Word Web

flawed incomplete defective faulty blemished marred fallible rough

挑战

Try to find three things in your room right now that are 'imperfect'. Describe the flaw using the word 'imperfect' in a full sentence for each.

词源

The word 'imperfect' comes from the Middle English 'imperfect', which was borrowed from the Old French 'imparfait'. This, in turn, derived from the Latin 'imperfectus'.

原始含义： In Latin, 'imperfectus' literally means 'not finished' or 'incomplete'. It is formed by the prefix 'in-' (meaning 'not') and 'perfectus' (meaning 'finished' or 'completed').

Indo-European (Latinate/Romance influence on English).

文化背景

Be careful when calling a person's work 'imperfect' in a professional setting; it is more polite than 'bad', but still a critique.

In the UK and US, 'imperfect' is often used in marketing for 'ugly' produce to encourage people to buy misshapen vegetables to reduce waste.

The book 'The Gifts of Imperfection' by Brené Brown. The concept of 'Imperfect Competition' by Joan Robinson. The song 'Perfectly Imperfect' by various artists.

在生活中练习

真实语境

Shopping

Is this imperfect?
Discount for imperfect goods
Imperfect produce
Minor flaws

Education

Imperfect score
Imperfect understanding
Imperfect translation
Learning from mistakes

Relationships

Imperfect match
Accepting flaws
Nobody is perfect
Imperfect timing

Science

Imperfect data
Imperfect conditions
Experimental error
Incomplete results

Art

Imperfect beauty
Rustic style
Hand-made
Intentional flaws

对话开场白

"Do you think it's better to have an imperfect plan or no plan at all?"

"Have you ever bought 'imperfect' fruit to save money or help the environment?"

"Why do you think people are so afraid of being seen as imperfect on social media?"

"In your opinion, what is the most beautiful 'imperfect' thing in nature?"

"How do you handle it when you realize your work is imperfect?"

日记主题

Describe a time when an imperfect situation actually turned out to be better than a perfect one.

Write about a personal 'imperfection' that you have learned to love or accept.

If you could change one imperfect thing about the world, what would it be and why?

Reflect on the phrase 'the courage to be imperfect'. What does it mean to you?

Describe an object you own that is imperfect but has great sentimental value.

常见问题

10 个问题

Not necessarily. While it means something has faults, it is often used in a realistic or even positive way, especially in art (Wabi-sabi) or when accepting human nature. It is much less negative than words like 'bad' or 'broken'.

Yes, 'imperfect' is a gradable adjective. You can say 'slightly imperfect', 'very imperfect', or 'highly imperfect' to describe the degree of the flaws.

'Imperfect' is an adjective (describes a noun), while 'imperfection' is a noun (the flaw itself). For example: 'The vase is imperfect because it has an imperfection.'

You use it to refer to a tense that describes past actions that were continuous, habitual, or not completed. For example, 'I was walking' is an imperfect aspect in English.

In modern English, no. You might see it in very old books (pre-1700s), but today it is considered a mistake. Always use 'imperfect'.

Yes, it is very common to say 'I am imperfect' or 'Humans are imperfect'. It is a way of saying we all make mistakes.

These are products sold at a lower price because they have small cosmetic flaws but still work perfectly fine.

It is pronounced im-PER-fect, with the stress on the middle syllable. The 'im' is short, and the 'fect' is also short.

It is a neutral word. It is perfectly fine to use in a casual conversation with friends or in a formal academic paper.

The most direct opposite is 'perfect'. Other opposites include 'flawless', 'faultless', and 'complete'.