structural flaw

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "structural flaw" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a defect or weakness in the design or construction of a structure, whether physical or metaphorical. Example: "The engineers discovered a significant structural flaw in the bridge that could compromise its safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Beneath this tragedy is a structural flaw.

The Guardian - Opinion

Caspary did not like murder mysteries herself, and she saw in them a structural flaw.

The New Yorker

"It is Mexico's biggest structural flaw," says Victor Herrera, of Standard & Poor's, a credit-rating agency.

The Economist

JPMorgan officials insist there was no structural flaw in risk management or setting position limits.

The New York Times

The reason is probably some structural flaw, but investigators say they do not know what that was.

The New York Times

This is a problem, a deep structural flaw at the core of our political and financial systems.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

But there were structural flaws.

The Guardian

The judges found two structural flaws in the Strasbourg assembly.

The Economist

But he said that the office's structural flaws were much clearer than they were 12 years ago.

The New York Times

Levees broke because of structural flaws, traced to incompetence at the Army Corps of Engineers.

The New York Times - Books

And it is only a baby step toward addressing vast structural flaws within the Saudi system.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "structural flaw", ensure that you clearly identify what structure or system is being discussed. Providing specific details enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While "structural flaw" is versatile, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "problem" or "issue" in less formal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "structural flaw" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific type of problem or weakness related to the composition or organization of something, as supported by examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "structural flaw" is a commonly used noun phrase that denotes a fundamental weakness or defect in the design or organization of something, whether physical or abstract. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. While versatile, be mindful of the formality it conveys, opting for simpler terms in casual settings. When using "structural flaw", ensure clarity by specifying the structure or system in question. Top sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, highlighting its relevance in critical analysis and problem identification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

design defect

Focuses specifically on flaws originating in the design phase.

inherent weakness

Highlights that the flaw is a natural or inseparable part of the structure.

systemic fault

Indicates the flaw is present throughout the entire system, not isolated.

fundamental problem

Emphasizes the flaw's significance and impact on the whole structure.

basic deficiency

Underscores that something essential is lacking.

underlying issue

Suggests a hidden or less obvious flaw that causes other problems.

critical vulnerability

Emphasizes the susceptibility to harm or failure due to the flaw.

core inadequacy

Highlights that the flaw is central to the ineffectiveness or failure of the structure.

intrinsic fault

Similar to inherent weakness, suggesting the flaw is inseparable from the structure's nature.

latent defect

Implies the flaw is hidden and not immediately apparent but could cause future issues.

FAQs

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

Use "structural flaw" to describe a weakness or defect in the design or fundamental organization of something. For example: "The building's collapse was attributed to a "structural flaw" in its foundation."

What are some alternatives to "structural flaw"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "design defect", "inherent weakness", or "systemic fault" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "structural flaw" applicable to non-physical systems?

Yes, "structural flaw" can be used metaphorically to describe weaknesses in organizational systems, economic models, or even arguments. For example: "The economist pointed out a "structural flaw" in the proposed tax policy."

What is the difference between "structural flaw" and "structural defect"?

"Structural flaw" and "structural defect" are often used interchangeably. However, "flaw" may imply a more fundamental or systemic issue, while "defect" can refer to a more localized imperfection.