How to Pronounce Defective

To pronounce "defective", say DEF-ect-iv-e — 4 syllables, IPA /dɪˈfɛktɪv/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

defective

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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4

Syllables

9

Letters

/dɪˈfɛktɪv/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “defective”

"defective" has 4 syllables: def-ect-iv-e. It rhymes with objective and perspective, if that helps it stick.

What does defective mean?

noun

  1. A person or thing considered to be defective.

adjective

  1. Having one or more defects.
  2. (grammar, of a lexeme, especially a verb) Lacking some forms; e.g., having only one tense or being usable only in the third person.

Synonyms

faulty

Antonyms

completeperfect

Hear “defective” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with defective

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

objectiveperspectivecollectiveprospectivereflectiveeffectiveintrospectiveinvectivesubjectiveineffectiveretrospectiveaffective

Related words

faultymalfunctioningbadnonfunctionalimperfectabnormaldefectfault

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "defective"?▾

"Defective" has 4 syllables: def · ect · iv · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "defective"?▾

The IPA transcription of "defective" is /dɪˈfɛktɪv/.

What does "defective" mean?▾

Defective: A person or thing considered to be defective.

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