noun
le défaut
defect · flaw
C'est une imperfection ou une chose qui manque de qualité chez une personne ou un objet.
Definition & meaning
Défaut is a masculine noun with several related meanings:
- Defect or fault: an imperfection in an object or system.
- Flaw or shortcoming: an undesirable quality in a person or thing.
- Lack or absence: the fact that something is missing or insufficient.
- Failure to appear: in legal contexts, absence from a court hearing.
Grammar & Word origin
The plural is défauts. The word comes from an older form of the verb faillir , meaning “to fail” or “to be lacking.”
Synonyms & antonyms
- imperfection — an imperfection; often milder than a serious defect.
- vice — a vice or fault, often more serious, especially in a legal or moral context.
- manque — a lack; emphasizes absence rather than a flaw.
- qualité — a quality or virtue; an antonym when describing someone’s character.
- perfection — perfection; the absence of flaws.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
Ce téléphone a un petit défaut.noun
This phone has a small defect.
Chaque personne possède un défaut et une qualité.noun
Each person has a flaw and a quality.
Elle a renvoyé l'article car il présentait des défauts.noun
She returned the item because it had defects.
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