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| flaw [ flaw ] (plural flaws) |
noun |
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| Definition: |
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1. physical blemish: a physical disfigurement that prevents something from being totally perfect and detracts from its value
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2. detracting feature: a feature that is regarded as unfavorable
 There's a flaw in your argument.
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3. law invalidating mistake in document: in a legal document, an error that can make it invalid
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| [14th century. Origin ?] |
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| flawed adjective |
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| Word Key: Synonyms |
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flaw, imperfection, fault, defect, blemish, failing, shortcoming, weakness
CORE MEANING: something that detracts from perfection
flaw a physical disfigurement that prevents something from being totally perfect and detracts from its value, or a feature that is regarded as unfavorable;
a tiny flaw in the glass
a fatal flaw in their strategy
imperfection something that makes somebody or something less than perfect;
a minor imperfection on the shiny surface
They accepted us, with all our imperfections, as co-workers.
fault something that detracts from the integrity, functioning, or perfection of something, or a feature of somebody's character that is regarded as unfavorable;
a design fault
regarded it as a serious fault of the education system
His worst fault is his unreliability.
defect a physical error in a machine or system, especially one that prevents it from functioning correctly, or a feature of something that is regarded as inadequate;
A house may show a hidden defect several years after construction.
a metabolic defect
regarded his disinclination to stand up for himself as a character defect
failing a deficiency in the way that something takes place or operates, or a feature of somebody's character regarded with disapproval;
The management acknowledged this failing in the system.
At least unpunctuality isn't one of my failings.
blemish a mark that detracts from the appearance of something, or a feature that detracts from somebody's personal reputation or good record;
a small blemish that only an expert would have noticed
the only blemish on an otherwise perfect record
shortcoming a failure in a system or organization, or a feature of somebody's character regarded with disapproval;
The omission of this test is a serious shortcoming in the service offered.
The team's main shortcoming has been letting advantages slip away.
weakness a weak point in the structure or arrangement of something, or a feature of somebody's character regarded with disapproval;
The intermittent supply of electricity is a definite weakness.
They were asked to analyze their team's strengths and weaknesses.
Indecision was always one of his weaknesses. |
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