Damaged vs. Faulty — What's the Difference?

Damaged refers to an item that has been physically harmed, often resulting in visible impairment. This can be due to external forces such as impact, wear, or environmental factors. For example, a damaged phone might have a cracked screen or dents on its body. Faulty, on the other hand, describes an item that has inherent defects or malfunctions affecting its performance or quality. These issues are usually related to the item's design, manufacturing, or internal components. For instance, a faulty phone may have a malfunctioning battery or software issues that prevent it from working properly.

n terms of usability, a damaged item might still function despite its physical impairments, whereas a faulty item often fails to operate correctly due to its internal flaws. Therefore, a damaged product may continue to serve its purpose to some extent, but a faulty product typically requires repair or replacement to restore its functionality.

Damage is typically caused by external factors and can vary in severity, from minor scratches to significant breakages. Faults are usually internal issues and can range from small glitches to major malfunctions that render the item unusable.

Damaged items often show visible signs of wear and tear, making the issue apparent. Faulty items may not always display obvious signs, but their performance issues reveal the underlying problems.