flaws

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'flaws' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word 'flaws' to refer to the imperfections or weaknesses of something. For example: "The flaws in this plan ultimately led to its failure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fealy said criticism of Indonesia should stick to legalities and flaws in the judicial process.

The Guardian

Chester-le-Street showed that there's a psychological fragility about the side to complement the more obvious technical flaws that blighted the first two defeats in this series.

The Guardian - Sport

This highlights the flaws in the Treasury argument that the GIB shouldn't be able to borrow yet because the 'debt' would show up on government balance sheets.

The Guardian

Julia Bartmes, a Chicago attorney who has been personally turned away from Homan Square, said that for all the structural flaws in Chicago policing and criminal justice, Homan Square remains unique.

The Guardian

And she and the people with her spotted the laziness and the flaws – the worm in the apple – and ruthlessly exposed it in a highly effective manner.

The Guardian

"We will try to prove that the commission did not consider all the things which it should have considered and that there were some procedural flaws," he said.

The Guardian

It is one of the biggest flaws of the Catholic church, because it cuts the men at the top off from a normal experience of life.

The Guardian - Opinion

And while we sit not voting and whingeing on about the flaws, the weediness, the bolshiness, the taint of Blairism or the badly judged phrases or mannerisms of this or that MP, the rightwing will be obediently marching to the polling booths regardless and voting like billy-o all the way to victory.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yes, her flaws made her vulnerable, but she will be remembered as one of the nation's most tenacious leaders.

The Guardian

Whilst the broad framework of the policy is right, [there are] flaws in the detail of its implementation [which] risk leaving consumers short-changed".

The Guardian - Business

Academics and specialists have long been aware of flaws in the FBI numbers, which are based on voluntary submissions by local law enforcement agencies of paperwork known as supplementary homicide reports.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "flaws", be specific about what those imperfections are and how they affect the overall subject. Use concrete examples to illustrate your points.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something has "flaws" without providing any details. This can be vague and uninformative. Always elaborate on the specific imperfections and their impact.

Linguistic Context

The word "flaws" functions primarily as a noun, representing imperfections, defects, or shortcomings. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples show it describing issues in processes, designs, and even character.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "flaws" is a noun that signifies imperfections or defects. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its primary function is to identify and describe shortcomings, often with the purpose of critique or improvement. The term is versatile and suitable for neutral contexts, with a high frequency of occurrence in news and media. Related phrases include "defects", "imperfections", and "shortcomings". To use "flaws" effectively, be specific about the imperfections you're describing and avoid overgeneralizations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defects

Synonymous with "flaws", referring to imperfections or shortcomings.

imperfections

Similar to "flaws", highlighting the state of not being perfect.

shortcomings

Focuses on the aspects where something falls short of expectations.

weaknesses

Emphasizes the areas of vulnerability or lack of strength.

faults

Similar to "flaws", indicating errors or defects in something.

blemishes

Refers to minor imperfections that detract from appearance or quality.

deficiencies

Highlights the lack of necessary qualities or elements.

limitations

Focuses on the boundaries or constraints that restrict something's capabilities.

vulnerabilities

Emphasizes the susceptibility to harm or attack due to weaknesses.

errors

Indicates mistakes or inaccuracies that detract from correctness.

FAQs

How can I use "flaws" in a sentence?

You can use "flaws" to describe imperfections or weaknesses in something. For example, "The design had several critical "defects"" or "The plan had inherent "shortcomings"".

What's the difference between "flaws" and "faults"?

"Flaws" and "faults" are often used interchangeably to describe imperfections. However, "flaws" may imply a more fundamental or inherent weakness, while "faults" can refer to specific errors or defects.

What can I say instead of "flaws"?

You can use alternatives like "defects", "imperfections", "shortcomings", or "weaknesses" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "flaws in" something?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "flaws in" something. This preposition indicates that the imperfections are present within that particular thing. For instance, "There were significant "flaws in" the system design".