1
a
: a defect in physical structure or form
a diamond with a flaw
b
: an imperfection or weakness and especially one that detracts from the whole or hinders effectiveness
vanity was the flaw in his character
a flaw in the book's plot
2
obsolete
: fragment
flawed; flawing; flaws
: to become defective
1
: a sudden brief burst of wind
the wind changed with flaws from westward—
Archibald MacLeish
Archibald MacLeish
also
: a spell of stormy weather
2
obsolete
: an outburst especially of passion
Examples of flaw in a Sentence
Noun (1)
noted the flaw in the diamond before I bought it
Verb
that crack has flawed the vase to the extent that its value in the antiques market is greatly reduced
Recent Examples on the Web
Zac Jackson, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
As its name suggests, criticism is the tendency to frame problems as personal flaws, rather than specific or changeable behaviors.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2025
Although flawed in many ways, the BWC has helped prevent the spread of biological weapons.
—Liyam Chitayat, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flaw
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Noun
No offense is fully revved up in Week 1 and ready to address every flaw, but the Browns probably have a left tackle issue.
—Zac Jackson, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
As its name suggests, criticism is the tendency to frame problems as personal flaws, rather than specific or changeable behaviors.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
Slater takes on the role of Bob Olson, the adored but flawed father at the heart of the story.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2025
Although flawed in many ways, the BWC has helped prevent the spread of biological weapons.
—Liyam Chitayat, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flaw
Cite this Entry
“Flaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flaw. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
flaw
1 of 2 noun
: a small often hidden defect
flawless
adjective
-ləs
flawlessly
adverb
flawlessness
noun
flaw
2 of 2 verb
: to make or become defective
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