Dictionary

defect

a problem, fault or absence of something that causes a thing, person or procedure not to work correctly A Wiltshire mother whose baby died after an operation to correct his heart defect has been awarded £20,000 in compensation.

Phrase Bank

  • The claim (=official request for money) related to certain defects in the design of the swimming pool.
  • The Court of Appeal overturned (=changed) the decision of the lower court on account of a procedural defect.
  • The defect was cured (=corrected) within the required period.
  • The court held that there was no defect in title (=ownership of property).
  • The house was free from defects, so its value was higher.

Additional Notes

  • defect (verb) to leave a country, army, or political party, etc. wrongfully, usually to join an enemy or a rival: The resistance was made up of soldiers who had defected to form a terrorist movement opposed to the defence.