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 Republicans' Achilles' heel The new Achilles' heel for the GOP is spring court elections, which have become highly partisan and politically consequential. Craig Gilbert, jsonline.com, 18 July 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for Achilles' heel
Noun
  • Fernandez positioned himself on the shoulder of the last defender as Malo Gusto worked space for a low cross from the right that ran through to the back post.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2026
  • As Farthing was assisting in traffic control, a man approached him from behind and stabbed him in the back, sheriff's office spokesperson Kim Peters said in a news release.
    Matthew Cupelli, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The former wins in the history books, but lots of fans have a soft spot for the latter.
    Juan J. Arroyo, Rolling Stone, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Southerners will always have a soft spot for King’s Hawaiian Rolls, and one visit to a church supper is proof.
    Josh Miller, Southern Living, 1 Feb. 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 8 Feb. 2026.

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