as in back
a vulnerable point
the food supply proved to be the nation's Achilles' heel in its defense against terrorist attacks
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of Achilles' heel
The very thing that makes open source so powerful—its speed and accessibility—is also its Achilles' heel.
—
Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
For years, spacing has been an Achilles' heel, often clogging driving lanes for LeBron.
—Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
The Democrats' Achilles' heel Which brings us to the Achilles' heel for Democrats.
—Craig Gilbert, jsonline.com, 18 July 2025
Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
For years, spacing has been an Achilles' heel, often clogging driving lanes for LeBron.
—Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
The Democrats' Achilles' heel Which brings us to the Achilles' heel for Democrats.
—Craig Gilbert, jsonline.com, 18 July 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for Achilles' heel
Noun
-
There are hardly any natural centre-forwards like Gerd Muller, Rudi Voller, Miroslav Klose, or centre-backs like Jurgen Kohler and Karlheinz Forster.—
Philipp Lahm,
New York Times,
28 Feb. 2026
-
Even Simon was injured with shrapnel damage and burns on his back and face.—
Popular Science Team,
Popular Science,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
See the scene And while a big tent on the beach packed with people downing burgers, drinking tequila or Kim Crawford wine and dancing to a DJ with a soft spot for Bad Bunny is not exactly luxurious, the black truffle remained for this event.—
Connie Ogle
Updated February 20,
Miami Herald,
20 Feb. 2026
-
And suddenly, somehow, the Olympics became her soft spot, the site of crippling vulnerability.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Achilles' heel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/Achilles%27%20heel. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
