Top 39 Slang For Flawed – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to describing something that’s not quite perfect, our language has a plethora of slang terms to choose from. Whether it’s a quirky quirk or a noticeable imperfection, we’ve got you covered with a curated list of slang for flawed that will have you nodding in agreement and maybe even chuckling at how accurately they capture those little mishaps. So, grab a cup of tea and get ready to explore the fun and relatable world of flaws!

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1. Janky

This term is used to describe something that is poorly made, in bad condition, or not functioning properly. It can refer to objects, systems, or even people.

For example, “The car I bought from that used car dealership turned out to be janky. It broke down after just a week.”
In a conversation about technology, someone might say, “This app is so janky. It crashes all the time.”
A person describing a run-down building might say, “The place looks really janky. It definitely needs some renovations.”

2. Wonky

This slang term is used to describe something that is unsteady, unstable, or not working properly. It can refer to physical objects, systems, or even ideas.

For instance, “The table is a bit wonky. It wobbles when you put something heavy on it.”
In a discussion about computer software, someone might say, “The latest update made the program really wonky. It keeps freezing.”
A person describing a strange sensation in their body might say, “I feel a bit wonky today. Maybe I’m coming down with something.”

3. Sketchy

This slang term is used to describe something or someone that seems suspicious, untrustworthy, or unreliable. It can refer to situations, people, or even places.

For example, “I don’t feel safe walking in that neighborhood at night. It’s really sketchy.”
In a conversation about a business deal, someone might say, “The terms they’re offering seem a bit sketchy. We should be cautious.”
A person describing a shady character might say, “I met this guy at the bar, and he seemed really sketchy. I didn’t trust him.”

4. Buggy

This term is used to describe something, usually a software or electronic device, that has a lot of bugs or glitches. It implies that the item is not functioning properly or as intended.

For instance, “The new video game is really buggy. It crashes every time I try to play.”
In a discussion about a smartphone, someone might say, “My phone is acting really buggy. It keeps freezing and restarting.”
A person describing a faulty car might say, “The engine is making strange noises. It’s definitely buggy and needs to be checked.”

5. Glitchy

This slang term is used to describe something, usually a technology or system, that is prone to glitches or malfunctions. It implies that the item is not reliable or stable.

For example, “The website is really glitchy. It takes forever to load and sometimes crashes.”
In a conversation about a smart home device, someone might say, “The voice recognition is a bit glitchy. It doesn’t always understand my commands.”
A person describing a faulty electronic gadget might say, “The screen on my tablet is glitchy. It flickers and sometimes becomes unresponsive.”

6. Faulty

This term describes something that is not working properly or has a defect. It is often used to refer to malfunctioning machinery or equipment.

For example, “The faulty wiring caused the power outage.”
A person might complain, “I bought this phone, but it turned out to be faulty.”
In a review, someone might write, “The product arrived in good condition, but unfortunately, it was faulty.”

7. Shoddy

This word is used to describe something that is of low quality or poorly made. It implies that the item was not well-crafted or lacks attention to detail.

For instance, “The shoddy construction of the building led to its collapse.”
A person might say, “I returned the shirt because it was made of shoddy material.”
In a review, someone might write, “The product looked good in the picture, but it turned out to be shoddy.”

8. Rinky-dink

This slang term is used to describe something that is small, insignificant, or of low quality. It often implies a lack of importance or professionalism.

For example, “I can’t believe they hired such a rinky-dink company to do the job.”
A person might say, “I don’t trust that rinky-dink website.”
In a conversation about a restaurant, someone might comment, “The place looked rinky-dink, but the food was surprisingly good.”

9. Dodgy

This word is used to describe something or someone that is suspicious, unreliable, or questionable. It implies a lack of trustworthiness or honesty.

For instance, “I wouldn’t buy a car from that dodgy dealership.”
A person might say, “The website looks dodgy. I wouldn’t enter my credit card information.”
In a discussion about a person’s behavior, someone might comment, “He’s always involved in dodgy business deals.”

10. Flimsy

This term describes something that is weak, fragile, or easily broken. It implies a lack of durability or sturdiness.

For example, “The flimsy cardboard box fell apart during shipping.”
A person might say, “I returned the chair because it was too flimsy.”
In a review, someone might write, “The product looked sturdy, but it turned out to be flimsy.”

11. Ratchet

This term is often used to describe something or someone that is in a state of disarray or dysfunction. It can refer to physical objects, situations, or even people.

For example, “My car is so ratchet, it keeps breaking down.”
In a discussion about a messy living space, someone might say, “Their apartment is ratchet, with clothes and dishes everywhere.”
A person might describe a dysfunctional relationship as, “That couple’s communication is so ratchet, they never resolve their issues.”

12. Rinky

This slang term is used to describe something that is cheaply made or of low quality. It can refer to objects, experiences, or even people.

For instance, “That rinky-dink toy fell apart after one use.”
In a discussion about a subpar restaurant, someone might say, “The food there is rinky, I wouldn’t recommend it.”
A person might describe a poorly executed plan as, “Their rinky idea didn’t work out at all.”

13. Lame

This word is used to describe something that is uninteresting or not exciting. It can refer to activities, events, or even people.

For example, “That party was so lame, there was no music or dancing.”
In a discussion about a boring movie, someone might say, “The plot was lame, I fell asleep halfway through.”
A person might describe an unimpressive performance as, “Their presentation was really lame, I didn’t learn anything new.”

14. Funky

This term is used to describe something that is unusual or unconventional in a way that is interesting or cool. It can refer to fashion, music, or even behavior.

For instance, “I love her funky style, she always wears bright colors and unique patterns.”
In a discussion about a unique piece of artwork, someone might say, “That painting is so funky, I’ve never seen anything like it.”
A person might describe an eccentric personality as, “He’s really funky, always coming up with wild ideas.”

15. Busted

This slang term is used to describe something that is in a state of disrepair or is not functioning properly. It can refer to objects, vehicles, or even people.

For example, “My phone fell and now the screen is busted.”
In a discussion about a dilapidated building, someone might say, “That place is so busted, it’s falling apart.”
A person might describe someone who is exhausted as, “They look really busted, like they haven’t slept in days.”

16. Wack

This term is used to describe something as bad, low-quality, or unimpressive. It can be used to express disappointment or dissatisfaction.

For example, “That movie was wack, I wasted my money.”
A person might say, “This food tastes wack, I can’t eat it.”
Someone might comment, “His fashion sense is wack, he needs a makeover.”

17. Lousy

This word is used to describe something as very bad, of poor quality, or unsatisfactory. It conveys a strong negative sentiment.

For instance, “I had a lousy day at work, everything went wrong.”
A person might say, “The service at that restaurant was lousy, I won’t go back.”
Someone might comment, “This is a lousy excuse, you need to take responsibility.”

18. Defective

This term is used to describe something as flawed, not functioning properly, or having a defect. It implies that the item or object is not up to standard.

For example, “I bought a defective phone, the screen doesn’t work.”
A person might say, “The car has a defective engine, it keeps stalling.”
Someone might comment, “The product is defective, it’s missing parts.”

19. Crappy

This word is used to describe something as of very low quality, cheaply made, or not well-executed. It conveys a strong negative sentiment.

For instance, “I bought this crappy toy, it broke after one use.”
A person might say, “The hotel room was crappy, it had dirty sheets and a broken toilet.”
Someone might comment, “Don’t buy that brand, their products are always crappy.”

20. Dubious

This term is used to describe something as doubtful, suspicious, or not to be trusted. It implies a sense of uncertainty or skepticism.

For example, “His explanation for being late seems dubious, I think he’s lying.”
A person might say, “I received a dubious email asking for my personal information, it’s probably a scam.”
Someone might comment, “The company’s financial practices are dubious, they need to be investigated.”

21. Imperfect

This term refers to something that is not flawless or has some flaws or errors.

For example, “Her painting was beautiful, but it had some imperfect brushstrokes.”
In a discussion about relationships, someone might say, “No one is perfect, we all have our imperfect moments.”
A person might comment on a work project, “The proposal was good, but it had some imperfect details.”

22. Riddled

This word describes something that is filled or plagued with flaws, issues, or problems.

For instance, “The plan was riddled with inconsistencies and errors.”
In a review of a movie, someone might say, “The plot was riddled with holes and unanswered questions.”
A person might comment on a flawed argument, “His reasoning was riddled with logical fallacies.”

23. Tainted

This term refers to something that has been contaminated, spoiled, or corrupted in some way, making it flawed or unreliable.

For example, “The food was tainted and caused food poisoning.”
In a discussion about a political scandal, someone might say, “The entire administration was tainted by corruption.”
A person might comment on a tainted reputation, “His actions have forever tainted his image.”

24. Ratty

This word describes something that is worn out, in poor condition, or looks shabby, indicating flaws or deterioration.

For instance, “He was wearing a ratty old t-shirt.”
In a conversation about furniture, someone might say, “The couch looked ratty with all the tears and stains.”
A person might comment on a neglected garden, “The plants were all ratty and overgrown.”

25. Wobbly

This term describes something that is unsteady, shaky, or lacking stability, indicating flaws or weaknesses.

For example, “The table was wobbly and needed to be fixed.”
In a discussion about a business venture, someone might say, “The financial projections were wobbly and uncertain.”
A person might comment on a faulty piece of equipment, “The wheel on the cart was wobbly and made it difficult to push.”

26. Hinky

This term is used to describe something that seems off or not quite right. It often implies that there is something suspicious or questionable about the situation or object.

For example, “That deal sounds hinky, I wouldn’t trust it.”
In a crime investigation, a detective might say, “There’s something hinky about this alibi.”
A person might describe a faulty product as, “This phone feels hinky, it keeps freezing.”

27. Shabby

Shabby refers to something that is worn-out, old, or in poor condition. It can also describe something that is of low quality or poorly made.

For instance, “He lives in a shabby apartment with peeling paint and broken furniture.”
A person might comment, “That dress looks shabby, it’s all faded and wrinkled.”
In a discussion about cars, someone might say, “I wouldn’t buy that shabby old car, it’s falling apart.”

28. Unsound

Unsound describes something that is not reliable or flawed. It implies that there is a problem or issue that makes the thing unreliable or not trustworthy.

For example, “His argument is unsound, it’s full of logical fallacies.”
A person might say, “I can’t trust that source, it’s known for publishing unsound information.”
In a discussion about financial investments, someone might warn, “Be careful, that investment seems unsound, there’s a high risk of losing money.”

29. Unreliable

Unreliable refers to something or someone that is not dependable or trustworthy. It suggests that the thing or person cannot be relied upon or trusted to perform as expected.

For instance, “Don’t lend him money, he’s unreliable and never pays back.”
A person might say, “I can’t count on that car, it’s unreliable and always breaking down.”
In a discussion about a friend, someone might comment, “She’s unreliable, she always cancels plans at the last minute.”

30. Unstable

Unstable describes something that is not steady or secure. It can refer to a physical object that is likely to topple or collapse, or to a person’s mental or emotional state that is unpredictable or volatile.

For example, “The ladder is unstable, be careful when you climb.”
A person might say, “He’s emotionally unstable, his mood swings are unpredictable.”
In a discussion about a political situation, someone might argue, “The region is unstable, there is constant conflict and unrest.”

31. Deficient

This term is used to describe something that is incomplete or lacking in some way. It suggests that there is a shortage or deficiency in a particular aspect.

For example, “The team’s defense was deficient, allowing the opposing team to score multiple goals.”
In a review of a product, someone might say, “The battery life of this phone is deficient compared to other models.”
A teacher might comment on a student’s work, “Your essay is well-written, but it is deficient in supporting evidence.”

32. Flawed

This word is used to describe something that has faults or imperfections. It suggests that there are errors or weaknesses in a particular thing or concept.

For instance, “The design of this building is flawed, as it does not account for proper ventilation.”
In a discussion about a movie, someone might say, “The plot was interesting, but the character development was flawed.”
A reviewer might critique a book, saying, “The author’s argument is flawed, as it relies on outdated research.”

33. Creaky

This term is used to describe something that is old or worn-out, often making a creaking sound when used or moved. It suggests that the object is in a state of disrepair.

For example, “The creaky floorboards in this old house make it feel haunted.”
When describing a vehicle, someone might say, “The creaky suspension on this car makes for a bumpy ride.”
A person might complain about a chair, saying, “This creaky chair is in desperate need of repair.”

34. Rotten

This word is used to describe something that is spoiled, decayed, or in a state of decomposition. It suggests that the object has gone bad or is no longer usable or desirable.

For instance, “The smell in the refrigerator is due to the rotten food.”
When discussing a fruit, someone might say, “Don’t eat that apple, it’s rotten.”
A person might complain about a piece of furniture, saying, “This chair is so old, it’s practically rotten.”

35. Tacky

This term is used to describe something that is gaudy, cheap, or lacking in style or sophistication. It suggests that the object or concept is in poor taste or considered low quality.

For example, “The decorations at the party were tacky and over-the-top.”
When discussing fashion, someone might say, “That outfit is tacky and outdated.”
A person might comment on a home decor choice, saying, “The neon sign in the living room is a bit tacky.”

36. Tattered

This term refers to something that is worn-out or in poor condition, often with tears or holes. It can be used to describe clothing, objects, or even a person’s appearance.

For example, “She wore a tattered dress that had clearly seen better days.”
In a discussion about old books, someone might say, “The pages of that novel are yellowed and tattered.”
A person describing their car might say, “The seats are ripped and the dashboard is tattered.”

37. Tarnished

This word is used to describe something that has lost its shine or luster, often due to corrosion or damage. It can be used metaphorically to describe a person’s reputation or character.

For instance, “The silverware had tarnished and needed to be polished.”
In a discussion about a public figure, someone might say, “His actions have tarnished his image.”
A person describing an old piece of jewelry might say, “The pendant is tarnished, but it still holds sentimental value.”

38. Frayed

When something is frayed, it means the edges are unraveled or worn down. This can refer to fabric, rope, or any other material that has become worn and threadbare.

For example, “The hem of her jeans was frayed from dragging on the ground.”
In a discussion about cables, someone might say, “The charger cord is frayed and needs to be replaced.”
A person describing their nerves might say, “I’m feeling frayed after a long day of work.”

39. Dinged

This term is used to describe something that has been dented or slightly damaged, often as a result of a small impact or collision. It can refer to objects or even a person’s pride.

For instance, “The car door was dinged in a parking lot.”
In a discussion about self-esteem, someone might say, “Her confidence was dinged after receiving criticism.”
A person describing a used item for sale might say, “The phone has a few dings, but it still works perfectly fine.”