flaw
B2Neutral to formal (Common in writing and critique)
Definition
Meaning
A fault, defect, or imperfection that mars something's perfection or function.
A mistake or weakness in a plan, system, or argument; a character weakness; a crack or break in a material.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies something is not perfect and may be compromised, but not necessarily broken or unusable. Often used in contexts of evaluation and analysis.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is nearly identical in terms of meaning and application. Spelling is the same.
Connotations
Slight connotational preference: UK usage might lean slightly more towards material/structural defects (e.g., 'a flaw in the crystal'), while US usage is equally strong for abstract/character weaknesses, but the difference is minimal.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
N + has/contains + a flawThere is a flaw in + NThe flaw is that + clauseflaw + in + somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Tragic flaw (hamartia)”
- “Flaw in the ointment (variant of 'fly in the ointment')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to defects in products, weaknesses in business plans, or vulnerabilities in systems. 'The audit revealed a flaw in our accounting procedures.'
Academic
Used to critique arguments, methodologies, or theories. 'The study's main flaw was its small sample size.'
Everyday
Describing imperfections in objects or minor personality issues. 'I love this vase, even with that little flaw on the rim.'
Technical
Specific to cracks in materials (engineering), bugs in software, or logical fallacies.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The harsh winter flawed the surface of the marble patio.
- His argument was fatally flawed from the outset.
American English
- A single coding error flawed the entire software release.
- The diamond was flawed by a deep internal crack.
adverb
British English
- The plan was flawlessly executed. (Note: 'flawlessly' is the common adverbial form, not 'flawly')
American English
- She performed the routine flawlessly under pressure.
adjective
British English
- The report was insightful but fundamentally flawed.
- They sold the flawed china at a discount.
American English
- Her logic is flawed, so her conclusion can't be trusted.
- The gemstone was beautiful despite being slightly flawed.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- There is a flaw in this glass.
- The ring was cheap because it had a small flaw.
- The plan sounds good, but it has one major flaw.
- His honesty is a strength, but his temper is a flaw.
- Researchers identified a critical flaw in the experiment's design.
- The software update fixed a security flaw that could have been exploited.
- The philosopher argued that the tragic hero's hamartia, or fatal flaw, leads to their downfall.
- Despite its aesthetic flaws, the painting is revered for its raw emotional power.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a FLAW in the LAW – a mistake that makes it imperfect.
Conceptual Metaphor
PERFECTION IS WHOLENESS / INTEGRITY → A FLAW IS A CRACK OR BREAK.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid overtranslating as 'недостаток' for minor shortcomings; 'flaw' is more about a specific, often damaging, imperfection. 'Изъян' or 'дефект' are often closer. Do not confuse with 'flow' (поток).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'flaw' for a simple mistake or error (too strong). 'He made a flaw in his calculation' is unnatural; 'He made an error' is better. Confusing 'flaw' (noun) with 'flawed' (adjective).
Practice
Quiz
In literary analysis, a 'tragic flaw' most closely refers to:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, as it denotes an imperfection. However, in contexts like art or antiques, a flaw can add character and is not always viewed negatively.
A 'mistake' is an error in action or judgment. A 'flaw' is an inherent defect or weakness in a thing, person, or plan. A plan can have a flaw; executing it poorly is a mistake.
Yes, but it is less common and quite formal/literary. It means 'to mar with a flaw' (e.g., 'The stone was flawed'). The adjective 'flawed' is vastly more frequent.
'In' is the most common: 'a flaw in the system/argument/diamond/character'.