faulty

[ fawl-tee ]

adjective

, fault·i·er, fault·i·est.

1. having faults or defects; imperfect.

faulty

/ ˈfɔːltɪ /

adjective

1. defective or imperfect
2. archaic.
   culpable

Derived Forms

• ˈfaultily, adverb
• ˈfaultiness, noun

Other Words From

• faulti·ly adverb
• faulti·ness noun
• non·faulty adjective
• un·faulty adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of faulty¹

First recorded in 1300–50, faulty is from the Middle English word fauty. See fault, -y ¹

Example Sentences

Ferguson that racial separation did not impose inequality and that any perception of inferiority among Black Americans was a result of their own faulty thinking.

From Salon

In addition, the researchers found that these cumulative small genetic effects provided an important explanation for the puzzle that some people with a faulty gene copy develop cardiomyopathy, while others don't.

From Science Daily

People may be referred for the test by their GP if cancer runs in their family, if a relative has a faulty gene or if they have a Jewish grandparent.

From BBC

"I had to make a very big decision - do we continue with the clock being faulty or do we go for a small gear box controlled by a computer," he said.

From BBC

The ceiling leaked whenever it rained and there had been an electrical fire due to faulty wiring, they stated.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• broken
• cracked
• damaged
• defective
• deficient
• erroneous
• false
• flawed
• imprecise
• inaccurate
• inadequate
• incomplete
• insufficient
• invalid
• leaky
• malfunctioning
• unreliable