Word
flaw
US/ˈfɫɔ/
UK/flˈɔː/
Definitions
01a defect or imperfection
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a small mistake, mark, or weakness that stops something from being perfect.
n. a defect, fault, or imperfection in a physical object or an abstract concept like a plan or character.
“The diamond was cheaper because it had a tiny flaw that you could only see with a lens.”
“The legal team spent weeks searching for a flaw in the contract that would allow their client to withdraw without penalty.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02a gust of wind
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Literary · Archaic
n. a sudden, short burst of wind or a brief storm.
n. a sudden gust of wind or a brief, intense storm; often used in nautical or meteorological contexts.
“A sudden flaw of wind rattled the window frames and then vanished as quickly as it came.”
“The small vessel struggled against a sudden flaw that swept across the bay, threatening to capsize the inexperienced crew.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “flaw” in context.
Verb
01. expose a flaw
“The recent stress test exposed a flaw in the bank's emergency protocols.”
verb + noun
02. overlook a flaw
“Collectors often overlook small flaws if the antique is rare enough.”
verb + noun
03. rectify a flaw
“Engineers are working around the clock to rectify the technical flaws in the software.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. fatal flaw
“The protagonist's inability to trust others proved to be his fatal flaw.”
adj + noun
05. glaring flaw
“There is a glaring flaw in your logic that undermines the entire argument.”
adj + noun
06. minor flaw
“Despite a few minor flaws in the stitching, the dress looked exquisite.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. character flaw
“Arrogance is a common character flaw among high-achieving individuals.”
noun + noun
08. design flaw
“The product recall was triggered by a major design flaw in the battery compartment.”
noun + noun
Real-World Examples
“Furthermore, the research exposes a critical flaw in current ecosystem models, which systematically misrepresent these effects.” “It hasn’t worked – and analysts now suggest there may be three distinct flaws with the firewall strategy.” “To many, coffee seemed to expose a flaw in the White House's tariff policy.” Etymology
From Middle English flawe, flay (“a flake of fire or snow, spark, splinter”), probably from Old Norse flaga (“a flag or slab of stone, flake”), from Proto-Germanic flagō (“a layer of soil”), from Proto-Indo-European plok- (“broad, flat”). Cognate with Icelandic flaga (“flake”), Swedish flaga (“flake, scale”), Danish flage (“flake”), Middle Low German vlage (“a layer of soil”), Old English flōh (“a fragment, piece”).
From Middle English flaugh, from Middle Dutch vlāghe or Middle Low German vlāge, ultimately from Proto-West Germanic flagā. Or, possibly of North Germanic origin, from Swedish flaga (“gust of wind”), from Old Norse flaga; all from Proto-Germanic *flagǭ (“blow, strike”). See modern Dutch vlaag (“gust of wind”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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