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 With Jesse Minter stepping in to replace the legendary John Harbaugh, the pressure is on General Manager Eric DeCosta to provide his new coach with the tools necessary to fix a unit that proved to be the team's Achilles' heel last season. Cbs Baltimore Staff, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026 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
  • San Diego is still young, especially in the back, and is learning hard MLS lessons in real time.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026
  • Early symptoms include fever, fatigue and aches in the back, hips, shoulders and thighs, the CDC said.
    Hali Smith May 8, Idaho Statesman, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • While those days are long over, Pelz isn’t the only person with a soft spot for the organization.
    Graham Womack May 2, Sacbee.com, 2 May 2026
  • Just make sure to choose cucumbers that are firm and bright without any soft spots so the finished product tastes its absolute best.
    Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 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 9 May. 2026.

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