Word
flawed
US/ˈfɫɔd/
UK/flˈɔːd/
Definition
adj. having a mistake, mark, or weakness that stops something from being perfect. You use it to describe an idea, object, or person that has a problem.
adj. characterised by a defect, error, or imperfection. Often used to describe abstract concepts like logic or arguments, as well as physical objects.
Examples
“The diamond is beautiful but slightly flawed.”
“The scientist admitted that the initial study was flawed because the sample size was too small to be accurate.”
“While the protagonist's intentions are noble, his flawed nature leads him to make a series of catastrophic decisions that ultimately alienate his closest allies.”
Examples
simple
“The diamond is beautiful but slightly flawed.”
contextual
“The scientist admitted that the initial study was flawed because the sample size was too small to be accurate.”
complex
“While the protagonist's intentions are noble, his flawed nature leads him to make a series of catastrophic decisions that ultimately alienate his closest allies.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “flawed” in context.
Verb
01. prove flawed
“His initial assumptions proved flawed when the experiment failed to produce the expected results.”
verb + adj
02. remain flawed
“Despite several updates, the software's security protocols remain flawed.”
verb + adj
Adjective
03. flawed character
“The protagonist is a flawed character who struggles to overcome his past mistakes.”
adj + noun
04. flawed reasoning
“The judge pointed out the flawed reasoning in the lawyer's closing argument.”
adj + noun
Adverb
05. deeply flawed
“Critics argued that the study was deeply flawed and its conclusions were unreliable.”
adv + adj
06. fatally flawed
“The legal case was fatally flawed from the start due to a lack of physical evidence.”
adv + adj
07. fundamentally flawed
“The committee rejected the proposal because the underlying logic was fundamentally flawed.”
adv + adj
Usage
Often modified by degree adverbs such as 'deeply', 'fundamentally', or 'fatally'.
Real-World Examples
“Kubiak says that this had been down to flawed designs, and that manufacturers had since addressed concerns.” “Suryawanshi and his colleagues at the Snow Leopard Trust bitterly opposed the move, arguing that the decision was based on flawed science and driven by the political considerations of large NGOs in the west.” Etymology
From Middle English flaued, equivalent to flaw + -ed.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- 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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