flaw
6 synonyms for flaw, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A defect or imperfection, often one that is hidden or not obvious at first.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use flaw
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
fatal flaw
design flaw
character flaw
Etymology
From Middle English flawe, probably from Old Norse flaga ("a flake" or "slab of stone").
Full origin of flaw →Frequently asked questions
What does “flaw” mean?
The word “flaw” means a defect or imperfection, often one that is hidden or not obvious at first. In plain terms, a weakness or defect in something, whether physical, like a crack, or abstract, like a plan or argument.
How do you pronounce “flaw”?
“Flaw” is pronounced flaw (/flɔ/ in IPA).
How do you use “flaw” in a sentence?
Here is “flaw” used in a sentence: “The diamond had a small flaw visible only under magnification.”
What part of speech is “flaw”?
“Flaw” is a noun.
Where does the word “flaw” come from?
The word “flaw” comes from Middle English. From Middle English flawe, probably from Old Norse flaga ("a flake" or "slab of stone").
Is “flaw” a common word?
“Flaw” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between a flaw and a mistake?
A flaw is usually an inherent imperfection or weakness in something's design, character, or material, while a mistake is a specific error made in an action or decision. A flaw can exist without anyone doing anything wrong, whereas a mistake implies an action that went wrong.
What is the difference between a flaw and a fault?
The two words overlap closely, but "flaw" often suggests a hidden or subtle defect that isn't obvious at first glance, while "fault" can be more visible and also carries a sense of blame, as in "it's not my fault." Both describe imperfections, but "fault" more commonly implies responsibility.
Can "flaw" describe a weakness in an argument or plan, not just a physical object?
Yes, "flaw" is commonly used for abstract things like arguments, plans, and personalities, such as "a flaw in the logic" or "a character flaw." It applies just as naturally to conceptual weaknesses as to physical defects.
