# imperfectly

**Pronunciation:** /ɪmˈpɜːrfɪktli/ · im-PER-fikt-lee

**CEFR level:** B1

**Part of speech:** adverb

## Meaning

In a way that is not perfect or is flawed.

## Examples

- The painting was imperfectly restored, with visible patches.
- He spoke English imperfectly, but his meaning was clear.
- The machine operated imperfectly, making strange noises.

## Synonyms

- faultily — Emphasizes the presence of flaws or errors.
- inadequately — Suggests not meeting a required standard or expectation.
- flawedly — Directly points to the existence of defects.
- deficiently — Highlights a lack or shortage in quality or quantity.

## Antonyms

- perfectly — Completely, without any flaws or errors.
- flawlessly — Without any mistakes or imperfections.

## Common patterns

- imperfectly understood — Not fully or completely understood. — The complex scientific theory was imperfectly understood by the general public.
- imperfectly formed — Created or shaped in a way that is not perfect. — The early stages of the fossil showed an imperfectly formed bone structure.
- imperfectly executed — Carried out or performed in a way that is not perfect. — The acrobatic stunt was imperfectly executed, leading to a slight stumble.

Canonical URL: https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english/imperfectly

[Browse the English learner dictionary](https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english)