Meaning & use
cosmetic defects
Last updated
Meanings
nounpluraltechnicalspecialist
Small faults in the appearance of a product that do not affect how well it works.
Grammar: Always plural; takes a plural verb: The cosmetic defects are minor. For one fault, say 'a cosmetic defect'.
Patterns
- cosmetic defects in something
- have cosmetic defects
- minor cosmetic defects
The factory sold the phones cheaply because they had cosmetic defects like tiny scratches on the back.
Buyers often accept cosmetic defects if the price is low enough.
The report said most returned items had only cosmetic defects, not broken parts.
nounpluralmedical
Visible blemishes on the skin or body that are not harmful to health.
Grammar: Used in medical or beauty contexts; takes a plural verb.
Patterns
- treat cosmetic defects
- cosmetic defects on the skin
The cream is advertised for cosmetic defects such as minor scars.
Doctors can remove some cosmetic defects with laser treatment.
Common combinations
- minor cosmetic defects
- The outlet store sells shoes with minor cosmetic defects at a discount.
- cosmetic defects in the finish
- Inspectors check each table for cosmetic defects in the finish.
- free of cosmetic defects
- Premium models must be completely free of cosmetic defects.
- repair cosmetic defects
- The workshop can repair cosmetic defects on used cars.
Synonyms and how they differ
- blemishes
- More common in everyday speech for marks on skin or surfaces; 'cosmetic defects' sounds more technical and formal.
- flaws
- A general word for any imperfection; 'cosmetic defects' specifically means the imperfection is only about appearance.
Word family
Commonly confused: cosmetic defects or cosmetic surgery?
cosmetic defects vs cosmetic surgery
This means medical operations to change appearance; 'cosmetic defects' are the flaws themselves, not the treatment.
Practice
The used laptops were sold at a lower price because they had ______ like small scratches on the lid.
Choose one answer.
The phrase is plural and takes a plural verb: 'they had cosmetic defects'. 'Cosmetic defect' is singular and would need 'a' and a singular subject; 'a cosmetic defects' mixes singular and plural; 'cosmetics defects' is not a standard form.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “cosmetic defects”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.