defecto
nounCEFR B2
What does “defecto” mean in English?
flaw, defect
flaw, defect (a fault in a product, system, or person; defecto de fabricación; por defecto = by default)
Example sentences
El defecto más frecuente detectado en las auditorías es la falta de coherencia entre los procedimientos escritos y la práctica.
The most common flaw detected in audits is the lack of consistency between written procedures and actual practice.
El juez estimó que la demanda era válida, dado el evidente defecto de forma en la notificación.
The judge upheld the claim, given the evident procedural defect in the notification.
La configuración por defecto del dispositivo no es siempre la más segura y conviene revisarla tras la compra.
The device's default settings are not always the most secure and it is worth reviewing them after purchase.
How to use it
El defecto (noun, masculine) means 'flaw, defect, shortcoming, fault'. At B2 it covers physical defects in products, personal shortcomings, and systemic flaws. Core collocations: defecto de fabricación (manufacturing defect); un defecto del sistema; defecto de carácter (character flaw); por defecto (by default — computing); virtudes y defectos (virtues and flaws). The verb is to have a defect = tener un defecto; the adjective is defectuoso/a. Por defecto is an essential fixed phrase in tech contexts. Distinguish from error (mistake — human act) and fallo (failure — functional breakdown).
Common mistake
Por defecto (by default) is a key IT phrase at B2. Don't confuse defecto (flaw/shortcoming) with error (mistake) or fallo (functional failure/breakdown). 'Physical defect' in a product = defecto de fabricación. 'Character flaws' = defectos de carácter.