flawed

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "flawed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this word when describing something that is defective or not perfect, or when talking about the imperfections of a person or plan. Example sentence: The flawed logic behind his argument made it difficult to follow his conclusion.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All presidential and parliamentary elections held during the independence era have been deemed flawed by independent western monitoring groups.

The Guardian

Protests, petitions, two call-ins of the plans by supportive councillors to the Overview and Scrutiny committee, a new (yet still flawed) consultation process in recognition of the initial inadequate attempt, and much publicity.

The Guardian - Books

In reality, grasping that your parents are flawed is unlikely to have any long-term adverse effects (and it is a realisation likely to occur repeatedly throughout one's life).

The Guardian - Opinion

People are coming to the realisation that the system of globalised markets - unregulated, unpoliced and unguided - is fatally flawed.

The Guardian

Economists cannot, except by using statistical regressions which are often flawed and prove little.

The Guardian - Money

This week's protests may be the most chaotic scenes Hong Kong has experienced since a violent, anti-British riot racked the city in 1967 – and many residents are taking it as evidence that the "one country, two systems" framework is fundamentally flawed, a recipe for political gridlock and social unrest.

The Guardian

But we think the politicians and broadcasters have ducked and dived long enough and just need to get on with it now and ensure the public have the opportunity, however flawed the format, to scrutinise their politicians".

The Guardian

David Orr, chief executive of the National Housing Federation, has previously warned that the idea of selling off social housing in "high value" areas to build more in cheaper areas is fundamentally flawed.

The Guardian

"Sol, this is upsetting you, isn't it?" "Yes, because it's flawed in every capacity".

The Guardian - Sport

They said: "A system that allows our most vulnerable citizens to experience such basic failures in care if fundamentally flawed.

The Guardian

The environmental groups did identify a number of leaders, albeit flawed ones.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "flawed" to describe an argument or reasoning, be specific about the nature of the flaw. For example, instead of saying "the argument is flawed", explain why the argument is weak or illogical.

Common error

Avoid using "flawed" as a vague criticism without providing specific details. Instead of simply labeling something as "flawed", explain precisely what aspects are problematic and why they are considered flawed.

Linguistic Context

The word "flawed" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate the presence of imperfections, defects, or shortcomings. This is supported by Ludwig AI, confirming its role in describing the quality or state of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "flawed" is commonly used to describe something that has imperfections or weaknesses, as confirmed by Ludwig. Primarily found in News & Media contexts, it serves to critique or evaluate subjects by highlighting their shortcomings. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to be specific about the nature of the flaws rather than making vague criticisms. Related terms include "imperfect" and "defective". As Ludwig AI validates, "flawed" follows standard grammar rules and is readily usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imperfect

Indicates a state of not being perfect, similar to having flaws.

defective

Refers to something having a defect or fault, implying a more significant problem than a minor flaw.

faulty

Similar to defective, indicating a problem or malfunction.

impaired

Suggests a reduction in quality or effectiveness due to a flaw.

blemished

Implies a superficial flaw that detracts from appearance.

marred

Indicates that something has been damaged or spoiled by a flaw.

compromised

Suggests that something has been weakened or made vulnerable due to a flaw.

deficient

Highlights a lack or shortage, implying a flaw in completeness.

suboptimal

Indicates that something is less than the best possible, often due to flaws.

fallible

Describes something or someone capable of making mistakes or having flaws.

FAQs

How can I use "flawed" in a sentence?

You can use "flawed" to describe something that has imperfections or weaknesses. For example, "The experiment had a "flawed" design", or "The character was "flawed" but relatable".

What are some synonyms for "flawed"?

Synonyms for "flawed" include "imperfect", "defective", and "faulty". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "flawed" or "incorrect"?

The choice between "flawed" and "incorrect" depends on the context. "Flawed" implies that something has imperfections or weaknesses, but might still have some merit. "Incorrect" means something is wrong or inaccurate. For example, a "flawed" plan might still be partially functional, while an incorrect answer is simply wrong.

What's the difference between "flawed" and "incomplete"?

"Flawed" suggests the presence of faults or defects within something, while "incomplete" simply means that something is not finished or missing parts. A "flawed" product might be fully assembled but have design problems, whereas an incomplete product is missing components.