C1noun 2K

Flaw

🇬🇧 UK /["/flɔː/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/flɔː/"]/

Meaning of Flaw

a mistake in something that means that it is not correct or does not work correctly

In simple words: A mistake or defect in something.

Flaw in a sentence

• The diamond was nearly perfect, but it had a tiny flaw that lowered its value.
• There is a serious flaw in the argument that needs to be addressed.
• Despite the design flaw, the machine functioned well under most conditions.
• Her character is admirable, but she acknowledges a flaw in her patience.
• The software has a flaw that causes it to crash unexpectedly.
• Every human has some flaw, which makes us all imperfect.
• The flaw in the glass made it unsafe for use in construction.
• The plan was well thought out but had a fatal flaw.
• Detecting a flaw in the security system prevented a potential breach.
• The flaw in their reasoning showed that their conclusion was unreliable.

How to use Flaw

Use 'flaw' to describe imperfections in objects, plans, or arguments. It's appropriate in both spoken and written contexts but is less likely to be used in very casual or slang conversations.

Grammar pattern

flaw + noun (e.g., flaw in a plan)

Memory hint

Sounds like 'law' — imagine a broken law as a flaw.

Related words

Collocations with Flaw

• big
• main
• major
• contain
• have
• look for
• appear
• become apparent
• flaw in
• big
• main
• major
• contain
• have
• look for
• appear
• become apparent
• flaw in
• big
• main
• major
• contain
• have
• look for
• appear
• become apparent
• flaw in

Synonyms for Flaw

• defect, fault

Opposites of Flaw

• perfection
• strength
• virtue

Common mistakes with Flaw

• Confused with 'flawless' — they are opposites.
• Using 'flaw' as a verb (it is a noun).
• Overusing it in casual speech; it's more formal.

Frequently asked questions about Flaw

What does Flaw mean?

A mistake or defect in something.

What is the definition of Flaw?

a mistake in something that means that it is not correct or does not work correctly

How do you use Flaw in a sentence?

The diamond was nearly perfect, but it had a tiny flaw that lowered its value.

Can you give another example of Flaw?

There is a serious flaw in the argument that needs to be addressed.

What are synonyms for Flaw?

Common alternatives include defect, fault.

What is the opposite of Flaw?

Opposite meanings include perfection, strength, virtue.

What words go with Flaw?

It commonly pairs with big, main, major, contain, have, look for, appear, become apparent, flaw in, big, main, major, contain, have, look for, appear, become apparent, flaw in, big, main, major, contain, have, look for, appear, become apparent, flaw in.

What are common mistakes when using Flaw?

Confused with 'flawless' — they are opposites. Using 'flaw' as a verb (it is a noun). Overusing it in casual speech; it's more formal.

How do you pronounce Flaw?

US: /["/flɔː/"]/, UK: /["/flɔː/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Flaw?

Use 'flaw' to describe imperfections in objects, plans, or arguments. It's appropriate in both spoken and written contexts but is less likely to be used in very casual or slang conversations.

What CEFR level is Flaw?

"Flaw" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.