flaw

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈflȯ 

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 one flaw in his character.

There are a few flaws in your argument.

a flaw in the book's plot

2

obsolete : fragment

flaw

2 of 3

verb

flawed; flawing; flaws

transitive verb

: to make flaws in : mar

intransitive verb

: to become defective

flaw

3 of 3

noun (2)

1

: a sudden brief burst of wind

… the wind changed with flaws from westward …

—Archibald MacLeish

also : a spell of stormy weather

2

obsolete : an outburst especially of passion

Synonyms of flaw

Noun (1)

• defect
• blotch
• scar

Verb

• damage
• mar
• compromise
• injure
• cripple
• hurt

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

Noun

Proper prep work is essential for a smooth, durable finish to avoid flaws, peeling, streaks, or splotches. —Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2026

Their films’ starkness has potentially overwhelming power but also risks foregrounding flaws of judgment and finish. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 12 June 2026

Verb

This analysis made several assumptions, some of which were flawed (though entirely reasonably). —Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 10 June 2026

That process can be tedious, may involve delays due to issues with resources, outdated technology or flawed data reporting practices, and may ultimately result in partial data or data with redactions. —Divya Ramjee, The Conversation, 8 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1) and Verb

Middle English, flake, from Old Norse flaga stone slab, moldar flaga thin layer of turf; akin to Old English flōh flat stone

Noun (2)

of Scandinavian origin; akin to Norwegian flaga gust, squall

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1610, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun (2)

1513, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing flaw

• tragic flaw

Rhymes for flaw

• aah
• ah
• ahh
• aw
• awe
• bah
• blah
• bra
• caw
• claw
• craw
• daw

Kids Definition

flaw

1 of 2 noun

ˈflȯ 

: a small often hidden defect

flawless

-ləs

adjective

flawlessly adverb

flawlessness noun

flaw

2 of 2 verb

: to make or become defective