terribly flawed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terribly flawed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has significant defects or shortcomings, often in a critical context. Example: "The report was terribly flawed, leading to numerous misunderstandings among the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Tragedies, in the literary sense of the word, do not happen to terrible people; they happen to decent people, terribly flawed.

The New Yorker

An organizing document that claims one person is less human than another is terribly flawed, and we all know that America was built on this flawed foundation, but just like organized religion with all its flaws, the best of it is framed around ideals that should not be abandoned.

Huffington Post

In my opinion, his line of thinking is terribly flawed.

The New York Times

"He's terribly flawed, and the movie will show that.

The New York Times - Sports

It seems his most crucial political talent has been for drawing terribly flawed opponents.

The New York Times

Sebelius herself described the site's launch as "terribly flawed and terribly difficult".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

"If they're able to yield that much savings, the contract was terribly, obviously flawed," said Bradley Campbell, the state's commissioner of environmental protection, one of the officials assigned to oversee the new contract.

The New York Times

It was when I read the reports in that case and the attendant documents that I knew the investigative process was terribly, tragically flawed.

Huffington Post

The depiction of mental illness is sharp and engaging, with immensely-talented leading actors, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, playing flawed but terribly-likable people.

Huffington Post

The characters in the best of the ads — the ones from the seventies and eighties — are terribly human, which is to say painfully flawed.

The New Yorker

Albeit flawed.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "terribly flawed" to convey a strong sense of imperfection or deficiency, particularly when emphasizing the severity of the issue. This phrase is most effective in formal writing and professional communication where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "terribly flawed" in casual or informal settings, as it can sound overly critical or dramatic. Opt for simpler alternatives like "very flawed" or "really flawed" to maintain a more relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terribly flawed" functions as an adverb-adjective combination used to describe something with significant and serious imperfections. Ludwig AI examples show its use in various contexts to emphasize the extent and impact of these flaws.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

7%

Huffington Post

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "terribly flawed" is a common phrase used to describe something with significant imperfections, functioning as an adverb-adjective combination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used in neutral to formal contexts, particularly in news and media. While "terribly flawed" is acceptable in many contexts, its overuse in casual conversation can sound overly dramatic. Alternatives such as "deeply flawed" or "severely flawed" may offer a similar meaning with slight nuances. When used correctly, this phrase effectively conveys a strong negative assessment, emphasizing the need for improvement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deeply flawed

Emphasizes the profound extent of the flaws.

severely flawed

Highlights the gravity and intensity of the flaws.

seriously flawed

Indicates a significant and concerning level of imperfection.

critically flawed

Suggests that the flaws have a critical impact or consequence.

fundamentally flawed

Implies that the flaws are at the core or foundation of something.

fatally flawed

Indicates flaws that are so severe they could cause failure.

badly flawed

A more straightforward way to express the presence of significant flaws.

substantially flawed

Highlights the considerable extent of the flaws present.

woefully inadequate

Focuses on the inadequacy resulting from the flaws.

grievously deficient

Emphasizes the severity and painful nature of the deficiencies.

FAQs

How can I use "terribly flawed" in a sentence?

You can use "terribly flawed" to describe something with significant imperfections. For example, "The initial design of the product was "terribly flawed" and required extensive revisions."

What are some alternatives to "terribly flawed"?

Alternatives include "deeply flawed", "severely flawed", or "critically flawed", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "terribly flawed" or "very flawed"?

"Terribly flawed" emphasizes a more significant degree of imperfection than "very flawed". Use "terribly flawed" when you want to highlight the severity of the flaws.

What's the difference between "terribly flawed" and "fundamentally flawed"?

"Terribly flawed" describes something with serious imperfections, while "fundamentally flawed" implies that the flaws are at the core or foundation of something, making it inherently defective.