Flaw: meaning, definitions and examples

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flaw

 

[ flɔː ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

in design

A mistake, shortcoming, or imperfection in a plan, theory, or design.

Synonyms

defect, fault, weakness

Examples of usage

  • There was a flaw in the blueprint that caused the building to collapse.
  • One flaw in the system can lead to catastrophic failures.
  • The flaw in the software allowed hackers to access sensitive information.
Context #2 | Noun

in character

A fault or weakness in a person's character.

Synonyms

imperfection, shortcoming, weakness

Examples of usage

  • His biggest flaw is his inability to trust others.
  • She recognized her flaws and worked on improving herself.
  • Don't judge a person based on their flaws; we all have them.
Context #3 | Verb

in argument

To reveal or make (something) more obvious.

Synonyms

expose, highlight, reveal

Examples of usage

  • Her clever questioning flaw his lies and deception.
  • His silence during the meeting flaw his lack of commitment.
  • The evidence presented flaw the suspect's alibi.

Translations

Translations of the word "flaw" in other languages:

🇵🇹 falha

🇮🇳 खामी

🇩🇪 Fehler

🇮🇩 cacat

🇺🇦 недолік

🇵🇱 błąd

🇯🇵 欠陥

🇫🇷 défaut

🇪🇸 defecto

🇹🇷 kusur

🇰🇷 결함

🇸🇦 عيب

🇨🇿 chyba

🇸🇰 chyba

🇨🇳 缺陷

🇸🇮 napaka

🇮🇸 galli

🇰🇿 кемшілік

🇬🇪 შეცდომა

🇦🇿 qüsur

🇲🇽 defecto

Etymology

The word 'flaw' originated from Middle English 'flawe' or 'floue', which came from Old French 'flaon' meaning 'broad, flat stone'. The sense of 'imperfection' or 'defect' developed in the 16th century. 'Flaw' has been used in English literature to describe faults in characters, design, or arguments.

See also: flawed, flawless, flawlessly, flawlessness, flaws.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,800, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.