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
  • Following a 12-game non-conference slate, highlighted by home bouts with Utah State and Davidson, as well as road clashes with Virginia Tech and Appalachian State, the 49ers tip off what hopes to be a bounce-back year in conference play — starting on New Year’s Eve.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2025
  • The building, adjacent to Medical Center East's south tower, used to be a dorm for students and housed a barber shop in the front and a deli in the back.
    Beth Warren, Nashville Tennessean, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Other signs of mold or spoilage include shriveling, leaking juice, soft spots, or an off smell.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2025
  • But Monday night offers an opportunity for the veteran to sit in soft spots and finally give Bo Nix a reliable target in the middle of the field.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 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 30 Sep. 2025.

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