Achilles' heel

Definition of Achilles' heelnext
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

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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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for Achilles' heel
Noun
  • Kilgallon was breaking through as a young centre-back at Leeds in 2004, at a time when the club were in financial trouble.
    Stuart James, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Even the napkins have a dual purpose, with instructions on how to use Nespresso coffee machines printed on the back.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Kellner pokes a ball into the soft spot in left-center, scoring two runs.
    Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 17 Mar. 2026
  • The challenges certainly will be there, with the Heat decidedly having shifted from the soft spots of their schedule, the next six against the Hornets, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs and then a pair against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 16 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Achilles' heel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/Achilles%27%20heel. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.

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