What does imperfectness mean?
Imperfectness is the noun form of imperfect, meaning the condition of falling short of complete accuracy, excellence, or faultlessness. It can describe a general quality, as in “the imperfections of human nature,” or refer collectively to particular weaknesses, defects, or shortcomings. The word is especially common in formal contexts involving art, design, institutions, and personal development, where it acknowledges that no person or creation is wholly free from error. Its connotations are generally balanced rather than strongly negative: an object may possess imperfections without being considered poor, and acknowledging them can suggest realism or humility. Compared with imperfection, which often highlights one specific flaw, imperfectness is broader and more abstract, describing the overall condition of not being perfect.
nounThe state or quality of being imperfect, especially the presence of faults, weaknesses, or shortcomings. It can also refer collectively to such deficiencies.
- The state or quality of being imperfect, especially of being marked by faults, weaknesses, or shortcomings.
- A collective reference to faults, weaknesses, or shortcomings in a person, thing, or process.
"The imperfections in the design were subtle, but they affected the building's overall balance."
"The company's willingness to acknowledge its imperfections earned it public trust."
"Small imperfections in the manuscript revealed the careful work of its editor."
Usually used in the plural when referring to separate faults or shortcomings, though the singular is common for the general quality of being imperfect.
"The review acknowledged a few minor imperfections in the argument."
Perfection can be an ideal, but imperfectness is what reminds us that human work is made by real people.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does imperfectness come from?
Imperfectness comes from imperfect, which was formed in the early 17th century from the Latin prefix im- meaning “not” and perfect, from perfectus, meaning “complete” or “finished.” The suffix -ness was added in the 17th century to form a noun expressing the state or quality of being imperfect. Related English words include perfection, imperfection, and perfectly, all of which continue the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How imperfectness is actually used
The noun is formal and relatively uncommon in everyday speech. It is more typical in discussions of art, craft, human nature, systems, and moral or intellectual character than in casual conversation.
Easily confused with imperfectness
Imperfection usually names an individual fault or shortcoming, while imperfectness names the general state or quality of being imperfect.