Pronunciation: [dɪfˈɛktɪv] (IPA) 
Defective is spelled with the letter "e" after the letter "c" because of the English language's pronunciation rules. The "c" and the "t" create an /ks/ sound, but adding an "e" after the "c" changes the sound to an /s/ sound. Therefore, the word is pronounced as /dɪˈfɛktɪv/. The word means that something is faulty or not functioning correctly, and it is often used to describe a product or a machine that is not working as it should.
Defective is an adjective used to describe something that is faulty, flawed, or not functioning properly. It refers to an object, system, or process that does not meet the expected or desired standard of quality.
In the context of products or manufactured goods, a defective item has one or more faults or defects that render it unfit for its intended purpose. These defects can be visible, such as a broken part or missing component, or they might be internal and not immediately apparent. Defective products can pose safety risks or lead to problems when used, and they generally do not perform as expected.
When applied to machines, equipment, or systems, being defective implies that there is a malfunction or failure in the proper operation of these entities. This can be due to manufacturing errors, design flaws, or wear and tear. Defective machinery may not produce expected results or might cease to function altogether.
In a legal context, the term defective is often used in product liability cases, where a consumer seeks compensation for any damages caused by a defective product. Manufacturers, distributors, and sellers can be held liable for selling or distributing products that are flawed or hazardous.
Overall, defective refers to anything that has faults, malfunctions, or fails to meet the required standard of quality or performance. It signifies a lack of adequacy or reliability in an object, system, or process.
1. Imperfect. 2. A person (a) lacking in some physical quality, as one who is blind or a deaf-mute; or (b) a mental or moral degenerate.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Imperfect; faulty; wanting in something.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word defective originated from the Latin word defectivus, which is the past participle of deficere. Deficere is a combination of two Latin elements: de meaning away, apart, and facere meaning to do, make. Therefore, defectivus means having failed, lacking, or imperfect. This Latin term eventually evolved into the Old French word defectif, which then entered Middle English as defectif and later became defective.
