defective Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite having a defect
    faulty.
    • I returned the appliance because it was defective
  2. adjective satellite markedly subnormal in structure or function or intelligence or behavior
    • defective speech
  3. adjective satellite not working properly
    bad.
    • a bad telephone connection
    • a defective appliance

WordNet

De*fect"ive adjective
Etymology
L. defectivus: cf. F. défectif. See Defect.
Definitions
  1. Wanting in something; incomplete; lacking a part; deficient; imperfect; faulty; -- applied either to natural or moral qualities; as, a defective limb; defective timber; a defective copy or account; a defective character; defective rules.
  2. (Gram.) Lacking some of the usual forms of declension or conjugation; as, a defective noun or verb. -- De*fect"ive*ly, adv. -- De*fect"ive*ness, n.

Webster 1913