physical flaws

USAGE SUMMARY

"physical flaws" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe any physical imperfections that a person or thing may possess, such as scars, birthmarks, or deformities. For example, "The accident left her with several physical flaws, including scarring on her face and a limp in her right leg."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

He was meticulous in detailing his own physical flaws.

The Guardian - Tech

She is "pretty," but "not a knockout," with small physical flaws that he catalogs immediately.

The New York Times - Books

They couldn't understand why Hector would go out of his way to find children with mental and physical flaws.

The New Yorker

She was one of the better players on the field, but Silvers said her advanced skills masked serious physical flaws.

The New York Times - Magazine

All comments must, out of historical necessity, concern involuntary rectal penetration, penis size, physical flaws or annoying mannerisms or defects.

The Guardian - Books

Yet they soldiered on, readying the revised version — smoothing the edges and fixing the most obvious physical flaws.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

They'll discover if their inability to maintain a winning streak this season is out of boredom or because of some physical flaw in the team.

The New York Times - Sports

Although well aware that the harsh florescent light highlighted every physical flaw and imperfection, I knew Mark wouldn't see it like that.

The New York Times

If the passenger seated next to you fails to comply, please smack him hard across the face and let loose a stream of insults regarding his most prominent physical flaw.

The New Yorker

The bikini body has become cultural shorthand for a moral standard of female perfection whereby any physical flaw should be regarded as a source of shame, an obstacle to collective fantasies of glamour and happiness.

The Guardian - Opinion

She's got it all: an ability to deliver terrible lines in bad romcoms; a charming, yet defining physical flaw (her snaggletooth, which joins DeNiro's mole, Humphrey Bogart's perpetual frown and Vince Vaughn's weird finger as instantly recognizable physical features), and a willingness to throw caution to the wind and publicly attack the films she's been in.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing characters, avoid overemphasizing "physical flaws" as this can lead to harmful stereotypes. Instead, integrate these details subtly into the overall description.

Common error

Avoid focusing solely on minor "physical flaws" when describing someone or something. This can create a negative or superficial impression. Prioritize conveying overall qualities and character.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "physical flaws" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It identifies and categorizes imperfections related to the body. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "physical flaws" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes imperfections in physical appearance. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and frequently found across diverse sources, particularly in News & Media. While neutral in register, its usage can carry different connotations depending on context. Remember that focusing too heavily on "physical flaws" can create a negative impression, so prioritize conveying overall qualities and character. Alternatives like "bodily imperfections" or "physical defects" offer similar meanings with slight differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

physical imperfections

Simply uses the synonym "imperfections" instead of "flaws".

bodily imperfections

Replaces "flaws" with "imperfections", focusing on the idea of deviations from an ideal standard.

visible flaws

Highlights the visibility of the imperfections.

physical defects

Substitutes "flaws" with "defects", suggesting a more significant or structural problem.

external imperfections

Synonymous alternative emphasizing the external nature of the imperfections.

outward flaws

Emphasizes that the flaws are visible or external.

physical blemishes

Uses "blemishes" to refer to marks or spots that detract from appearance.

superficial flaws

Indicates that the flaws are on the surface and not fundamental.

aesthetic shortcomings

Replaces both words with synonyms, maintaining a formal tone.

cosmetic blemishes

Focuses specifically on surface-level or aesthetic imperfections.

FAQs

How can I use "physical flaws" in a sentence?

You can use "physical flaws" to describe imperfections in appearance. For example, "Despite her "physical flaws", she possessed a remarkable inner beauty".

What are some alternatives to saying "physical flaws"?

Some alternatives include "bodily imperfections", "physical defects", or "cosmetic blemishes", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to point out someone's "physical flaws"?

Generally, it is considered impolite and insensitive to directly point out someone's "physical flaws". Focus on positive attributes instead.

What's the difference between "physical flaws" and "physical imperfections"?

While both terms are similar, "physical flaws" might suggest more significant or noticeable imperfections, whereas "physical imperfections" can encompass minor blemishes or deviations from an ideal.