a fatal flaw

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fatal flaw" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant weakness or defect in a person, plan, or argument that ultimately leads to failure or disaster. Example: "The project's lack of a clear budget was a fatal flaw that resulted in its eventual collapse."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But the policy has a fatal flaw.

The Economist

And each has a fatal flaw.

The New York Times

That's a fatal flaw in any manager.

The New York Times

I think it has a fatal flaw.

The New York Times

George Osborne has a fatal flaw.

The Guardian - Opinion

This may not be a fatal flaw, however.

The Economist

"Maybe there's some kind of a fatal flaw," he speculated.

The New Yorker

But there was a fatal flaw in the new system.

The New York Times - Magazine

He called it a "fatal" flaw in the case.

The New York Times

It's a great idea, save for a fatal flaw.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

However, this does not bring us closer to deciphering or articulating what constitutes a 'fatal flaw'.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a fatal flaw", ensure the context clearly indicates that the flaw is significant enough to cause failure or severe problems. For less severe issues, consider using "a minor flaw" or "a slight imperfection".

Common error

Avoid using "a fatal flaw" when describing minor issues or preferences. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the flaw truly undermines the entire endeavor or argument. Reserve words like "issue", "problem" or "drawback" for less critical imperfections.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fatal flaw" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it highlights a critical defect or weakness that leads to failure. It is often used to identify significant problems in plans, arguments, or characters.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fatal flaw" is a noun phrase used to describe a critical weakness that leads to failure. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's important to reserve it for situations where the flaw truly undermines the entire endeavor. Alternatives such as "a critical weakness" or "a major defect" can be used in less severe cases. Its frequent presence in reputable sources underscores its validity as a powerful descriptor of significant shortcomings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a critical weakness

Replaces "fatal flaw" with a more general term for a significant weakness.

a major defect

Substitutes "flaw" with "defect", emphasizing a fault in construction or design.

a crucial failing

Replaces "flaw" with "failing", highlighting a failure in a critical aspect.

a deadly shortcoming

Uses "shortcoming" to describe a deficiency that leads to negative consequences.

a decisive weakness

Emphasizes that the weakness is pivotal and can determine the outcome.

a devastating imperfection

Highlights the destructive potential of the imperfection.

a terminal vulnerability

Implies that the vulnerability is severe and irreparable.

the Achilles' heel

A more figurative way to describe a critical vulnerability.

a foundational weakness

Highlights a weakness that affects the very basis or structure of something.

an irredeemable fault

Emphasizes the fault cannot be corrected or compensated for.

FAQs

How can I use "a fatal flaw" in a sentence?

You can use "a fatal flaw" to describe a critical weakness or defect that ultimately leads to failure. For example: "The lack of funding proved to be "a fatal flaw" in the project's execution."

What can I say instead of "a fatal flaw"?

You can use alternatives like "a critical weakness", "a major defect", or "a crucial failing" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "a fatal flaw" and "a serious flaw"?

"A fatal flaw" implies that the flaw will inevitably lead to failure, whereas "a serious flaw" suggests a significant issue that needs to be addressed but may not necessarily be insurmountable.

Is it always negative to have "a fatal flaw"?

Yes, the term ""a fatal flaw"" inherently carries a negative connotation, indicating a flaw so significant that it leads to failure or disastrous consequences. It does not have a positive or neutral usage.