design flaw

USAGE SUMMARY

"design flaw" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an issue or problem with a product's design. For example, "The design flaw caused the product to become unreliable in certain conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A design flaw, perhaps?

The New Yorker

It's a design flaw.

The New Yorker

There is a design flaw.

The New York Times - Food

"A small design flaw," he said.

The New Yorker

Bit of a design flaw, there.

The Guardian - Film

It seems like a real design flaw.

The New York Times - Magazine

A design flaw might also be quickly addressed.

The New York Times

One major design flaw in the law should be noted.

The New York Times

There is also what might be considered a design flaw.

The New York Times

What a very unfortunate design flaw for these Terminators.

The Guardian - Film

This might seem like a serious design flaw.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "design flaw" when referring to an issue that is intrinsic to the design itself, rather than a manufacturing defect or user error. This distinction clarifies the root cause of the problem.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something has a "design flaw" without explaining what the flaw is or how it manifests. Always provide specific details to support your claim and prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "design flaw" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific type of problem related to the planning and creation of an object, system, or process. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "design flaw" is a commonly used and grammatically sound noun phrase that effectively identifies problems inherent in the design of various objects and systems. Ludwig AI affirms its usability in written English. It is prevalent in news media and scientific contexts, with a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. When using the phrase, it's crucial to provide specific details about the nature and consequences of the flaw. Synonyms like "design defect" or "design fault" can offer more formal alternatives, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

design defect

A more formal and technical synonym, often used in legal or engineering contexts.

design fault

Similar to "design flaw" but perhaps implying a slightly less severe issue.

engineering defect

Focuses specifically on flaws in the engineering aspects of a design.

inherent weakness

Highlights that the problem is intrinsic to the design itself.

structural deficiency

Emphasizes problems related to the structure or framework of the design.

functional problem

Broadly refers to issues with how the design performs its intended function.

technical glitch

Suggests a minor or easily overlooked error in the design.

oversight in design

Implicates a mistake made by inattention, forgetfulness or carelessness.

poorly designed

A simple and direct way to express the concept of a faulty design.

bad design

A straightforward and informal term for a design that is not effective.

FAQs

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

You can use "design flaw" to describe a problem inherent in the planning or creation of an object or system. For example, "The product's short lifespan was attributed to a critical design flaw".

What are some synonyms for "design flaw"?

Alternatives to "design flaw" include "design defect", "design fault", or "engineering defect", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "design flaw" in formal writing?

Yes, "design flaw" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, although more technical synonyms like "design defect" might be preferred in highly technical or legal contexts.

What's the difference between a "design flaw" and a manufacturing defect?

A "design flaw" is an error inherent in the design itself, while a manufacturing defect occurs during the production process, even if the design is sound. A design flaw exists in every unit, while manufacturing defects are typically isolated.