im·per·fect
(ˌ)im-ˈpər-fikt
1
2
: of, relating to, or constituting a verb tense used to designate a continuing state or an incomplete action especially in the past
The Spanish word bailábamos ("we were dancing, we used to dance") is in the imperfect tense.
3
: not enforceable by law : enforceable only under certain conditions
That obligation would be a constitutional duty and a political obligation, but not a legally enforceable one. In legal terms, it would be described as a "duty of imperfect obligation."—Anne Twomey
plural imperfects
1
: something that is flawed or imperfect
Much of what the company sells are "imperfects," or produce that's too small, too big or oddly shaped but perfectly good to eat.—Gloria Dawson
2
: an imperfect (see imperfect entry 1 sense 2) tense
a verb in the imperfect
also
: the verb form expressing it
Imperfects are used to indicate ongoing or repeated past action.
Cite this Entry
“Imperfect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imperfect. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.
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