noun / verb
flaw
FLAW/flɔː/
An imperfection, or to make imperfect.
The bowl has a visible flaw where its rim is chipped.
Etymology
Old Norse flaga meant a stone slab or layer, perhaps extended to a flake or splinter. “Defect” probably developed through the idea of a fragment broken off.
In context
Each new collapse revealed a previously unknown weakness, a hidden flaw in their design logic.
More examples
- The biggest flaw in our plan is its cost.
- The novel's hero admits his flaws and tries to change.
- Engineers found a security flaw in the payment software.
- The report is flawed by several factual errors.
Forms
flaw · flaws · flawed · flawing
flawless adjective — without any defects or mistakes
Similar words
- defect
- Often suggests a problem that prevents something from working properly.
- imperfection
- Often suggests a small shortcoming rather than a serious weakness.
- blemish
- Usually refers to a mark that spoils a surface's appearance.