defect
noun
a shortcoming, fault, or imperfection: a defect in a machine.
were defecting
-
past progressiveof defect.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
While Badenoch was conducting a string of media interviews, Reform UK announced that 20 Conservative councillors were defecting.
From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2025
Cruz and Raponi say as many as 60 percent of their customers were defecting in some months.
From BusinessWeek ● Jun. 3, 2011
Ms Obeidi told CNN she crossed the border on Thursday, with the help of military officers who were defecting.
From BBC ● May 9, 2011
But within 24 hours after Ginsburg's confession, his supporters were defecting.
From Time Magazine Archive
Large numbers of the survivors were defecting to the banner of El Hassan.
From Border, Breed Nor Birth by Mack Reynolds
