What does imperfectly mean?
Imperfectly is the adverb form of imperfect and means in a way that is not completely accurate, polished, successful, or finished. It is more precise than a blunt criticism: the word can describe anything from speech that is difficult to understand to a performance that falls short of its potential, without necessarily implying total failure. In everyday writing, imperfectly often means “with mistakes” or “not perfectly,” as in “the translator rendered the poem imperfectly.” In more formal contexts, it may identify a systematic limitation or an incomplete realization. The word has a mild negative connotation because it measures an action against a standard of perfection. It is particularly useful when the focus is on quality or degree rather than on a strict distinction between success and failure.
adverbIn an imperfect manner; without complete accuracy, quality, or success.
- In a way that is imperfect; without complete accuracy, quality, or finish.
"The new system works, but it handles very large files imperfectly."
"The witness understood the warning imperfectly and gave an uncertain account of what had happened."
"She translated the legal documents imperfectly, leaving several phrases unclear."
Perfection is the goal; imperfectly is the precise name of the gap.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does imperfectly come from?
Imperfectly was formed in English from imperfect and the adverbial suffix -ly. Its base adjective entered English through Old French from Latin imperfectus, a form meaning “not perfect” or “not completed,” built from in- (“not”) and perfectus (“finished, complete, perfect”). Related English formations include imperfection, while cognates in other Romance languages include French imparfait, Spanish imperfecto, and Italian imperfetto.
How imperfectly is actually used
The adverb is neutral to formal in tone and can indicate either minor shortcomings or a substantial failure to meet a standard. It is commonly understood as “not perfectly” or “with mistakes,” but the degree of imperfection depends on context.
Easily confused with imperfectly
Imperfect is the adjective describing something that lacks full perfection, whereas imperfectly is the adverb describing how an action or result is carried out.