German word

mangelhaft

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈmaŋəlhaft/

Meaning

  • adjectiveinadequate

Example

Das Ergebnis ist mangelhaft.

The result is inadequate.

Illustration for mangelhaft (inadequate)

More examples

Die mangelhafte Versorgung führte zu Engpässen in der Klinik.

The inadequate supply led to shortages at the clinic.

Core concept

A product or performance with a serious flaw that keeps it below the required standard.

Common phrases

  • mangelhafte Kenntnisse

    inadequate knowledge

  • mangelhafte Versorgung

    inadequate supply

  • mangelhafte Infrastruktur

    inadequate infrastructure

Similar words

ungenügend: Failing entirely to meet the expected level or standard.
unzureichend: Not sufficient in amount or degree for what is needed.
miserabel: Extremely poor in quality and far below an acceptable level.
schlecht: Below the desired standard and not good enough.

Definition in German

Ein Adjektiv für Sachen oder Leistungen, die in wichtigen Punkten Mängel aufweisen und daher ungenügend sind.

Word origin

Mangelhaft combines the noun Mangel, meaning a defect or lack, with the adjective-forming suffix -haft, meaning characterized by.

Usage tips

  • As an attributive adjective, mangelhaft takes an ending, as in eine mangelhafte Leistung, but it stays unchanged after sein, as in Die Leistung ist mangelhaft.

Other meanings

  • defectiveadjective
  • pooradjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Mangelhaftigkeitinadequacynoun

Word lists with this word