n.
Pronunciation: ( ˌ )im- ' p ə r-fikt
Function: 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)-l ē \ adverb
– im · per · fect · ness \ -fik(t)-n ə s \ noun