I. (ˌ)im-ˈpər-fikt adjective
Etymology: alteration of Middle English imparfit, from Latin imperfectus, from in- + perfectus perfect
Date: 14th century
1. : not perfect: as
a. : defective
b. of a flower : having stamens or pistils but not both
c. : lacking or not involving sexual reproduction
the imperfect stage of a fungus
2. : of, relating to, or constituting a verb tense used to designate a continuing state or an incomplete action especially in the past
3. : not enforceable at law
• im·per·fect·ly -fik(t)-lē adverb
• im·per·fect·ness -fik(t)-nəs noun
II. noun
Date: 1871
: an imperfect tense ; also : the verb form expressing it