defect
noun
a shortcoming, fault, or imperfection: a defect in a machine.
have defected
-
present perfectof defect.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The U.S. auto industry faces sobering new math: Some one million prospective buyers have defected from the new-car market since the start of the decade—and they aren’t expected back soon.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 28, 2026
Due to their elevated roles in society, only a handful of North Korea’s hackers or cyber operatives are known to have defected over the decades.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 16, 2026
Two senior aides to the leader of the Conservatives in the Welsh Parliament have defected to Reform UK just days before the Tories' party conference.
From BBC ● Feb. 12, 2026
Their key figures are councillors who have defected from the Scottish Conservatives.
From BBC ● May 31, 2025
Among zoomers, young men are now more religious than young women—and women have defected from the Christian faith in larger numbers than young men.
From Slate ● Oct. 11, 2024
