Flawed

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /flɔːd/

Definitions

1. Marked by imperfections that detract from overall quality or effectiveness
2. Indicating the presence of errors or weaknesses that compromise the integrity or usefulness of something
3. Containing physical or inherent defects that reduce value or functionality ; showing mistakes or faults that lessen accuracy or reliability

Etymology: "Flawed" is a plain formation: it comes from Middle English "flaued", built from the noun "flaw" with the ending "-ed", which turns a noun into an adjective meaning "having" the thing named. A flawed object is one that has a flaw in it, so the word simply describes something that has been given a fault. The noun it grows from has a more surprising past. "Flaw" first meant a crack or a break in something solid, and it is closely related to the older sense of a sudden gust or squall, the idea being something that breaks out or bursts. A fault in a gem or a piece of pottery was thus a kind of fracture, and the adjective inherited that physical sense before it came to describe a character or a plan with serious weaknesses.

Synonyms: imperfect, defective, blemished, faulty, damaged

Antonyms: perfect, flawless, immaculate, unblemished, sound