1. plural of defective; things that are faulty or imperfect
Usage: manufacturing context
2. people considered to have mental or physical disabilities
Usage: archaic; offensive; historical medical terminology

Examples

• The factory sorted out the defectives before shipping.
• Quality control identified several defectives in the batch.
• The defectives were sent back for repair or disposal.
• Manufacturing standards help reduce the number of defectives.
• The term was once used in medical contexts but is now considered inappropriate.
• Historical records show institutions for those labeled as defectives.