Vocabulary word Faulty - Practice with online flashcards, spelling bees and vocabulary quizzes

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Dictionary Definition of faulty

Containing a defect or flaw, rendering it imperfect or unreliable.
"The faulty wiring caused the power outage in the neighborhood."

Detailed Meaning of Faulty

When used to describe an object or device, it suggests that there is a problem with its functionality or performance, indicating that it may not work correctly or as intended. Additionally, "faulty" can also describe a person's reasoning or judgment, suggesting that their thinking or decision-making process is flawed or erroneous. It implies a lack of accuracy, reliability, or soundness, highlighting the presence of errors, mistakes, or deficiencies. Overall, the term "faulty" serves to indicate the presence of faults or defects, whether in a physical object, a system, or an individual's reasoning.

Example Sentences for Faulty

1. The detective noted that the suspect's alibi was faulty.
2. Their initial conclusion was based on faulty data.
3. A faulty engine led to the unfortunate car accident.
4. After many attempts, the artist admitted his brush technique was faulty.
5. Faulty wiring was the main cause of the electrical fire.
6. The expensive dress had faulty stitching, which upset the customer.

Origin and Etymology of Faulty

The adjective 'faulty' is directly derived from its noun counterpart, 'fault.' As previously discussed, 'fault' originated from Old English and Old Norse terms that meant a defect or blemish. Over time, as language evolved, the suffix '-y' was added to 'fault,' resulting in 'faulty.' This transformation in English represents a common pattern of forming adjectives to describe the quality or characteristic of a noun, in this case, indicating that something contains a defect or flaw, rendering it imperfect or unreliable. The etymology of 'faulty' thus underscores its association with imperfections and unreliability, making it a suitable term to describe objects or situations that are not up to standard due to their inherent flaws.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the adjective faulty:

flawless

reliable

perfect

defective

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Faulty

1. The team's strategy was faulty, leading to their defeat in the tournament.
2. My phone's faulty battery life is causing me a lot of trouble.
3. She returned the faulty blender to the store for a refund.
4. A faulty assumption caused him to make an incorrect prediction.
5. His reasoning was faulty, yet he remained stubbornly convinced he was right.
6. The old building's faulty plumbing system is the cause of constant leaks.
7. After I downloaded the software update, my computer started having faulty responses.
8. Due to faulty weather forecasts, we cancelled our picnic plans.
9. The faulty navigation system led us to a dead-end street.
10. The jury's decision was based on faulty evidence.
11. He claimed his faulty memory was the reason for forgetting the meeting.
12. The train was delayed due to a faulty signal system.
13. She's trying to sell a house with a faulty foundation.
14. I couldn't finish my assignment due to my laptop's faulty keyboard.