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 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 New York Yankees' bullpen has been a surprising Achilles' heel this season. Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 July 2025 Robert's minimal offensive production has been the Achilles' heel for any trade. Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 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 The imbalance is an Achilles' heel for Washington, which sees dependence on its top military rival as a national security threat. Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025 The Red Storm have one of the best draws of the tournament and have improved their 3-point shooting drastically, which was an Achilles' heel early on. Vaughn Dalzell, NBC News, 19 Mar. 2025 While cardio isn't an Achilles' heel for Pantoja, there may be no one in the history of the sport with a deeper gas tank than Dvalishvili. Brian Mazique, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for Achilles' heel
Noun
  • The iPhone has pretty much looked the same since 2017 — a rectangular piece of glass with a touchscreen on the front, and a few cameras on the back.
    Kif Leswing, CNBC, 16 Aug. 2025
  • The energy commission’s report on power costs was even thinner gruel, mostly patting itself on the back for adopting standards for appliances and other power-using devices that reduced their demands.
    Dan Walters, Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Travis Kennedy has always had a soft spot for ‘80s glam rock and metal bands.
    Kelli Skye Fadroski, Oc Register, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Avoid peppers that are shriveled, bruised, or have soft spots.
    Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 July 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 21 Aug. 2025.

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