gross flaw

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gross flaw" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or serious defect in something, often in a critical context. Example: "The report was rejected due to a gross flaw in its methodology that undermined the entire study."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Every superhero or larger-than-life figure has a gross flaw; with Brown, it is his brutal treatment of women.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It wasn't some gross, egregious flaw in his game that was going to compound itself.

The New York Times - Sports

In the resulting image, bright spots show where a lot of switching has taken place, and dark spots indicate where the circuits have been stable throughout.This technique can show gross flaws.

The Economist

New Jersey residents poor and rich, Democrat and Republican possess the gift of ignoring gross flaws.

Vice

In "A Pyrrhic Victory," the smallest gesture reveals gross flaws in a young girl's character, flaws she seems destined never to outgrow.

Los Angeles Times

He's not the only one who was unhappy with the case that Serial built: In interviews with the original prosecutor, Natasha Vargas-Cooper and Ken Silverstein of the Intercept have essentially argued that for all its gross flaws, the American criminal justice system nabbed the right man.

Vice

On top of this, many "pop science" books have flaws or gross simplifications.

Huffington Post

Make sure you have no flaws, such as something gross in your teeth or a strand of hair out of place.

WikiHow

Among those critical of the use of this theory, Whitsett and Winslow suggested that many investigations were characterized by methodological flaws, misrepresentation of results and gross misunderstanding of the theory [ 21].

BMC Medical Education

Because of the chipset design flaw, Intel said it will take a charge that will reduce its fourth quarter 2010 gross profit margins by around 4 percentage points from the 67.5 percent it previously reported.

The New York Times - Tech

By considering gross income (before taxes are taken off and tax credits/benefits added on), it finds that the calculation is flawed, but happens to be about the same as if they had done it correctly.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gross flaw", ensure the context clearly indicates the severity and impact of the defect being described. This phrase is best suited for situations where the flaw significantly undermines the integrity or functionality of something.

Common error

Avoid using "gross flaw" to describe minor or insignificant imperfections. This phrase carries a strong connotation of severity, and using it in trivial contexts can diminish its impact and appear hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gross flaw" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "gross" modifies the noun "flaw". It identifies and characterizes a particularly significant or noticeable defect. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gross flaw" is a valid and usable English phrase that effectively conveys the significance of a defect. While relatively rare, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts and is used to emphasize the severity and impact of the flaw. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with its strong connotation to avoid overstatement. Alternatives such as "major defect" or "serious imperfection" can be considered for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major defect

Focuses on the size or importance of the defect.

serious imperfection

Emphasizes the gravity or consequence of the flaw.

significant failing

Highlights the aspect of failure or inadequacy.

critical vulnerability

Draws attention to a weakness that can be exploited.

glaring error

Stresses the obviousness and conspicuousness of the mistake.

egregious fault

Indicates a fault that is conspicuously bad or offensive.

substantial weakness

Points to a notable lack of strength or resilience.

severe deficiency

Underscores a marked absence or shortage of something essential.

palpable shortcoming

Indicates a deficiency that is easily perceived.

pronounced inadequacy

Emphasizes the clear and noticeable insufficiency.

FAQs

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

You can use "gross flaw" to describe a significant defect. For example, "The product was recalled due to a "gross flaw" in its design."

What are some synonyms for "gross flaw"?

Synonyms for "gross flaw" include "major defect", "serious imperfection", or "significant failing".

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

Yes, "gross flaw" is appropriate for formal writing when describing a serious and significant defect or shortcoming. However, ensure that the severity of the flaw justifies the use of such a strong term.

What is the difference between a "gross flaw" and a simple "flaw"?

A "flaw" simply indicates an imperfection. A "gross flaw" suggests that the imperfection is significant, obvious, and has substantial consequences. The term "gross" amplifies the severity of the "flaw".