PsychologySeptember 2, 2026
defectiveness
dee-FEK-tiv-nes
Definition
The state or quality of being flawed, imperfect, or lacking essential features.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'defectus,' meaning a lack or failure, combined with the suffix '-iveness' to indicate a state or condition. It entered English to describe the quality of being incomplete or faulty.
In the news
The article suggests avoiding questions about children's behavior that imply a sense of defectiveness, as these can blame the child for circumstances they cannot control.
Psychologists want us to rethink what we ask about school violence
Read the full article ↗Rappler