character flaw

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "character flaw" is a correct and commonly used expression in written English.
It refers to a negative or undesirable trait or behavior that is part of a person's character. Example: "Despite his intelligence and charm, his tendency to lie was a major character flaw that often got him into trouble."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That's a character flaw".

The New York Times

A character flaw?

The New York Times - Magazine

Sinatra's character flaw isn't hard to name.

The New Yorker

You might call it a character flaw.

The New York Times - Travel

"We ascribe obesity to a character flaw".

The New York Times - Magazine

Jeter called his lack of it a character flaw.

The New York Times

It's his weasel problem, a real character flaw.

The New York Times

There is a continuing pattern here, reflecting a character flaw.

The New York Times

Nor is anti-feminism a national character flaw.

The New York Times

HUBRIS is the character flaw that brings down the protagonist in Greek tragedy.

The Economist

"There's a character flaw that has pushed me into this," he said.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a "character flaw", be specific about the behavior or trait you are referring to, rather than making vague generalizations.

Common error

Be careful not to label temporary behaviors or isolated incidents as a "character flaw". A true flaw is a consistent, deeply ingrained aspect of someone's personality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "character flaw" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As noted by Ludwig AI, it denotes a negative or undesirable attribute inherent to a person's character. The examples in Ludwig showcase its usage in various contexts to identify specific shortcomings in individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "character flaw" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a negative or undesirable aspect of someone's personality. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use in written English. Analysis of Ludwig examples reveals its use across diverse contexts like News & Media, science and Wiki, with primary communicative functions including identifying, describing and analyzing shortcomings. While generally neutral in register, it is important to avoid overgeneralization when attributing such flaws. This guide offers best practices and highlights common errors, equipping writers with a clear understanding of how to effectively and accurately employ the phrase "character flaw".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Defect in character

Swaps out the word "flaw" for "defect" and keeps the same overall meaning.

Weakness of character

Highlights the lack of strength in a specific trait.

Personality defect

Focuses on the psychological aspect of the flaw.

Negative attribute

Replaces the word "flaw" with the word "attribute" and keeps the same overall meaning.

Moral failing

Emphasizes the ethical dimension of the flaw.

Moral weakness

Focuses on the moral aspect instead of the general personality.

Shortcoming

A general term that indicates a limitation or fault.

Foible

Describes a minor weakness or eccentricity in someone's character.

Vice

Indicates an immoral or wicked personal trait.

Dark side

Offers a metaphorical way to refer to the negative aspects of someone's personality.

FAQs

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

You can use "character flaw" to describe a negative aspect of a person's personality. For instance, "His inability to take responsibility was a major character flaw".

What are some alternatives to using "character flaw"?

You can use alternatives like "moral failing", "personality defect", or "weakness of character" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to diagnose someone with a "character flaw"?

It is generally not advisable to "diagnose" someone with a "character flaw", especially without proper context or understanding. It's often more constructive to focus on specific behaviors rather than making broad judgments about someone's character.

What's the difference between a "character flaw" and a mistake?

A "character flaw" is an ingrained, consistent negative trait, while a mistake is a single, isolated error in judgment or action. A "character flaw" reflects a deeper aspect of someone's personality, whereas a mistake does not necessarily reveal an inherent trait.