technical flaw

USAGE SUMMARY

"technical flaw" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used to describe a mistake or imperfection in a technical system, process, or product. Example: The engineers were able to fix the technical flaw in the new software update before its official release.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

The search begins for the technical flaw.

The New Yorker

The C.I.A. had hidden a technical flaw in the designs.

The New York Times

(The site was delayed because of a technical flaw).

The New York Times

Instead, it is passively defined as a technical flaw in governance, its horrors disguised in legalese.

The Guardian

But the ruling turned on a technical flaw in the law, and its supporters are expected to try again.

The New York Times

He was re-building well on that first afternoon with Stuart Broad before he was interrupted by another technical flaw.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

He also mentioned possible technical flaws.

The New York Times - Science

The efforts were plagued with technical flaws and cost overruns.

The New York Times

Those technical flaws keep Glenn from playing left tackle, where the big money is made.

The New York Times

Eighty percent have "major technical flaws in their games," he added.

The New York Times - Sports

All this he has managed while confounding those – this writer included – who saw only technical flaws.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "technical flaw", specify the area or system where the flaw occurs to provide more context. For example, "technical flaw in the software's security protocol".

Common error

Avoid using "technical flaw" as a catch-all term for any problem. Instead, try to identify the specific nature of the flaw, such as a "coding error" or a "design vulnerability", to communicate more precisely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "technical flaw" functions as a noun phrase, where "technical" modifies "flaw". It describes a specific type of imperfection or defect related to the technical aspects of a system, device, or process. As Ludwig AI explains, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "technical flaw" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an imperfection or defect related to technical systems or processes. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usability is well-established. Its frequency is rated as 'common', and it appears most often in news and media contexts, but also in science and formal business communications. When using this phrase, be specific about the location or nature of the flaw to enhance clarity. While "technical flaw" is acceptable, consider using alternatives like "design defect" or "system error" for greater precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

design defect

Refers specifically to a flaw in the design stage of a product or system.

engineering error

Emphasizes that the mistake happened during the engineering process.

system error

Implies a malfunction within a larger system, which could be due to a variety of causes.

fault in the system

Highlights that the fault is integrated within the system.

programming bug

Specifically refers to an error in the code of a software program.

defective mechanism

Focuses on the flawed aspects of the mechanism.

operational glitch

Suggests a temporary or minor malfunction during the operation of something.

malfunctioning component

Describes a component that doesn't work properly within a larger system.

mechanical failure

Indicates a breakdown or malfunction in a mechanical device or system.

technological imperfection

Indicates a lack of perfection within a technological context.

FAQs

How to use "technical flaw" in a sentence?

You can use "technical flaw" to describe problems in systems or devices, for example: "The product recall was due to a critical "technical flaw" in the braking system."

What can I say instead of "technical flaw"?

You can use alternatives like "design defect", "system error", or "programming bug" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "technical flaw" or "technological flaw"?

Both ""technical flaw"" and "technological flaw" are correct, but ""technical flaw"" is more common and generally applicable. "Technological flaw" might be preferred when specifically referring to a flaw in a technology itself.

What's the difference between "technical flaw" and "manufacturing defect"?

"Technical flaw" generally refers to a problem in the design or functionality of something, whereas "manufacturing defect" refers to a problem that occurs during the production process. One is a design problem, the other a production problem.