Flaw: Definition, Usage & Key Examples

Meaning 1：imperfection or weakness (flaw)

flaw 🔊

/flɔː/

A small mistake or weakness that makes something not perfect.

Flaw illustrated by a cracked porcelain plate, showing imperfection in an object.

imperfection or weakness 🔊

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/ɪmˌpɜːrˈfekʃən ɔːr ˈwiːknəs/

A flaw is a small error, fault, or weak point in an object, argument, or character that prevents it from being perfect.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：Elementary

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Likely from Old Norse 'flaga', meaning 'slab' or 'flake', via Middle English.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'flaw' like 'fly' + 'aw' — a perfect flight goes 'aw' when a flaw is found.

📖 Example

The beautiful ceramic bowl had a tiny flaw near the rim, so it was sold at a discount. 🔊 The beautiful ceramic bowl had a tiny imperfection near the rim, so it was sold at a discount.

🔗 Collocations

major flaw – A significant or serious imperfection.

fatal flaw – A critical weakness that causes failure or downfall.

design flaw – A mistake or weakness in the original plan or structure.

🔄 Synonyms

defect (n.) – A shortcoming, imperfection, or lack.

fault (n.) – A mistake or weakness, especially one for which someone is responsible.

blemish (n.) – A small mark or flaw that spoils the appearance.

🚫 Antonyms

perfection (n.) – The state of being flawless or without defects.

strength (n.) – A good or beneficial quality or attribute.

🌱 Derivatives

flawed (adj.) – Having a flaw or flaws; imperfect.

flawless (adj.) – Without any flaws; perfect.

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Old Norse 'flaga' (a slab or flake of stone), implying a crack or break in the stone. It entered Middle English and evolved to denote any crack or defect in an object, later broadening to mean any imperfection.