Achilles' heel

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 For years, spacing has been an Achilles' heel, often clogging driving lanes for LeBron. Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025 This is the Achilles' heel of countless companies, as IT management and employee management must increasingly be considered holistically. Dennis-Kenji Kipker, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 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 In Apple's case, solid-state drives have sometimes been an Achilles' heel. Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 10 June 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for Achilles' heel
Noun
  • São Paulo State Military Police found Jankavski’s body in underwear, with an injury to her left eye and marks on her back.
    MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Having had long hair for the majority of my life, getting my strands to grow anywhere past my shoulders, and eventually down to at least the bra strap across my back felt like some sort of accomplishment.
    Kayla Greaves, Essence, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Cherry already has a soft spot for Biancani, never mind the grueling conditioning, including countless hours of running that whipped the Hornets into shape.
    Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Their non‑conference schedule features marquee showdowns (including a home game against the Kansas Jayhawks) and the ACC campaign offers no soft spots.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2025

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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 10 Nov. 2025.

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