flaw

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flaw" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a defect, imperfection, or weakness in something, such as an argument, plan, or object. Example: "The flaw in his reasoning led to a significant oversight in the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gifted footballer though he is, the Frenchman has again demonstrated the fatal flaw in his temperament which eventually saw him quit league football in France after a series of run-ins with the authorities.

The Guardian - Sport

He said the crisis had exposed a flaw in international governance, with any one of the security council's five permanent members able to veto a decision.

The Guardian

Anne Treneman in the Times saw the launch as "a strange theatrical set piece" and pointed to a flaw in the central actor's performance.

The Guardian

Entertaining they may have been, especially to the neutral, but the major flaw in the system was that a team could finish in the last play-off place and be promoted at the expense of a club that had finished a significant distance ahead of them.

The Guardian - Sport

Her resignation is a reminder that so many of Cameron's problems, whether on policy or party management, flow from the same flaw.

The Guardian - Opinion

Christopher Soghoian, a senior policy analyst studying technological surveillance at the American Civil Liberties Union, said the relationship between the tech giants and the NSA has a fundamental – and ironic – flaw that guarantees the Prism scandal is unlikely to be the last time tensions surface between the two.

The Guardian - Tech

Unfortunately, if he has a flaw, it's a weakness for a damsel in distress, and the more he comes round to Denton's point of view, the more I fear that she's pulling the wool over his eyes.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It was terrific, apart from one design flaw: hot air and kitchen smells rise into the upper bedroom level.

The Guardian - Travel

And in the tumult of the past year – whether from faith- and fear-based state laws that even our most backward southern neighbors won't enact, or the unrest and police violence in the streets of Ferguson – that character flaw was laid bare.

The Guardian - Opinion

"That is a fundamental flaw as well because David Cameron had to prove that we would fail in government.

The Guardian

Superstorm Sandy damaged the building's $10.6m £6.8mm) clean-power sources – those world-class fuel cells – a third of which went unrepaired and unreplaced because of a costly flaw in the main tower's design and pressure to honour a billion-dollar deal with Condé Nast, the global publisher and the building's anchor tenant.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts like plans or arguments, use "flaw" to point out a critical error that undermines the entire structure.

Common error

Avoid using "flaw" to describe minor inconveniences or preferences. A "flaw" should represent a significant defect, not just a minor annoyance.

Linguistic Context

The word "flaw" primarily functions as a noun, denoting a defect, fault, or imperfection in something. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts. Examples illustrate its role in identifying shortcomings in plans, arguments, or designs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "flaw" is a common and versatile noun used to describe a defect or imperfection. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media contexts. It serves to highlight shortcomings or vulnerabilities and is employed in a neutral register. Related terms include "defect", "imperfection", and "shortcoming". When using "flaw", it is important to ensure it represents a significant defect rather than a minor inconvenience. Be careful not to confuse a significant defect, represented by the word “flaw”, with a minor inconvenience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defect

This term directly replaces "flaw", indicating a shortcoming or imperfection.

imperfection

Similar to "flaw", this highlights a lack of perfection.

shortcoming

Focuses on a limitation or deficiency.

weakness

Emphasizes a lack of strength or resilience.

fault

Indicates a responsibility for an error or defect.

blemish

Suggests a mark or defect that detracts from appearance.

deficiency

Highlights an inadequacy or lack of something necessary.

failing

Points to an inability to meet a standard or expectation.

drawback

Refers to a disadvantage or negative aspect.

limitation

Focuses on a restriction or constraint.

FAQs

How can I use "flaw" in a sentence?

You can use "flaw" to describe a defect or imperfection in something, for example: "The "fatal flaw" in his plan was the lack of funding".

What can I say instead of "flaw"?

You can use alternatives like "defect", "imperfection", or "shortcoming" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "flaw" or "defect"?

"Flaw" and "defect" are often interchangeable, but "flaw" can sometimes imply a hidden or less obvious imperfection.

What's the difference between "flaw" and "weakness"?

"Flaw" refers to a specific imperfection, while "weakness" suggests a lack of strength or resilience.