critical flaw

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "critical flaw" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant weakness or defect in a system, argument, or process that could lead to failure or serious issues. Example: "The software was released with a critical flaw that compromised user security."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But you overlook a critical flaw in the film's argument.

The Economist

A critical flaw pervades the Court's entire opinion.

Cornell University

It is also haunted by a critical flaw -- and, some say, a ghost.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The Candidates Health Planss" (editorial, Oct. 28) reveals the critical flaw in both candidates' proposals.

The New York Times

This paper proposes a critical flaw size approach for bolted connections.

Engineering Structures

Consequently, the fracture is initiated at the critical flaw and usually propagates catastrophically through the specimen.

Dental Biomaterials Imaging, Testing and Modelling

The blueprints contained a critical flaw that would make any bomb based on them fizzle rather than detonate.

The Guardian

Slovo was acutely aware that the lack of rioters' voices could be a critical flaw in the project.

The Guardian

She plans to introduce legislation next week that fixes a critical flaw in the military's handling of assault cases.

The New York Times

The critical flaw sizes determined by this approach agree with the flaw sizes obtained from optical microscopy.

Engineering Structures

But personal tax allowances also have a critical flaw: they are poorly targeted because they apply to all earners, including the very rich.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "critical flaw", ensure the context clearly defines what is being assessed and why the flaw is considered critical. Specify the potential consequences or impact of the flaw.

Common error

Avoid using "critical flaw" for minor issues. Reserve this term for flaws that have significant, potentially detrimental consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "critical flaw" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "critical" modifies the noun "flaw". It's used to identify and emphasize a significant defect or weakness that could lead to failure or serious problems. Ludwig confirms the phrase's validity and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "critical flaw" is a widely used and grammatically sound expression for denoting a significant defect or weakness. Ludwig AI confirms this. As evidenced by numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, it frequently appears in news and media, scientific discussions, and academic analyses. While alternatives like "major defect" or "serious weakness" exist, "critical flaw" offers a direct and impactful way to highlight potentially detrimental problems. It is important to reserve this term for issues that truly warrant the label "critical", avoiding overuse in situations where the impact is less severe.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major defect

Emphasizes the severity of the flaw.

serious weakness

Focuses on the vulnerability aspect of the flaw.

significant deficiency

Highlights a lack or inadequacy that is important.

key vulnerability

Stresses the susceptibility to harm or attack.

fatal weakness

Indicates a flaw that could lead to failure.

major shortcoming

Focuses on the inadequacy or failure to meet a standard.

principal fault

Identifies the main error or defect.

severe imperfection

Highlights the lack of perfection and its gravity.

basic failing

Points out a fundamental deficiency in operation or design.

essential defect

Emphasizes that the defect is indispensable and inherent.

FAQs

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

You can use "critical flaw" to point out a significant weakness or defect in something. For example, "The project suffered a setback due to a "critical flaw" in the design".

What are some alternatives to "critical flaw"?

Alternatives include "major defect", "serious weakness", or "significant deficiency". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What makes a flaw "critical"?

A flaw is considered "critical" when it has the potential to cause significant harm, failure, or negative consequences. It's a flaw that cannot be ignored or easily remedied.

Is "critical flaw" interchangeable with "minor imperfection"?

No, "critical flaw" and "minor imperfection" are not interchangeable. A "critical flaw" poses a substantial risk, while a "minor imperfection" is a trivial issue that does not significantly impact overall performance or functionality.