Spanish word

defecto

Pronunciation

IPA/deˈfekto/

Meaning

  • masculine nounflaw

Example

Esa chaqueta tiene un defecto.

That jacket has a flaw.

Illustration for defecto (flaw)

More examples

Encontraron un defecto de fabricación en la lavadora.

They found a manufacturing defect in the washing machine.

Core concept

A shortcoming that reduces the value or effectiveness of a thing or a person.

Common phrases

  • tener un defecto

    have a flaw

  • defecto de fabricación

    manufacturing defect

  • corregir un defecto

    fix a flaw

Similar words

fallo: Fault in a device or system that causes it to fail to operate correctly.
avería: Failure of a machine or installation that stops it from functioning.
imperfección: Minor cosmetic blemish that affects the look or finish of an item.
deficiencia: Lack of sufficient quantity, skill, or quality leading to a shortcoming.

Definition in Spanish

Fallo, imperfección o carencia en algo que reduce su eficacia o su valor; también un rasgo negativo en una persona.

Word origin

From Latin defectus, the past participle of deficere 'to fail or be lacking', originally meaning a lack or failure and entering Spanish with senses of imperfection, malfunction, or personal flaw.

Usage tips

  • For products say 'defecto de fábrica' or 'estar defectuoso' and for people use 'defecto de carácter' or 'tener defectos' to refer to character flaws rather than literal damage.

Other meanings

  • defectnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • defectuosodefectiveadjective
  • defectuosamentedefectivelyadverb

Word lists with this word