hamartia

noun

Definition of hamartianext
as in tragic flaw

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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 hamartia Kennedy’s ruthlessness and ambition—which are treated as the Kennedys’ hamartia in Chappaquiddick—are swept under the rug of his compassion. — Alex Shephard, The New Republic, 30 Apr. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hamartia
  1. tragic flaw
  2. undoing
Noun
  • So there’s a sort of tragic flaw right from the beginning in our telling.
    — Eliana Dockterman, Time, 24 July 2026
  • Transit improvements will also give many residents better opportunities for jobs, because transportation will not be their tragic flaw.
    — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 10 Oct. 2025
Definition of tragic flaw
Noun
  • Ultimately, the provisions meant to lock taxpayers in could be the wealth tax’s undoing.
    — Jared Walczak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 July 2026
  • Nadella, in a nutshell, is saying that heavily relying on proprietary AI software could also be a company’s undoing.
    — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 29 July 2026
Definition of undoing

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hamadryads
hamartia
hamartias
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“Hamartia.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hamartia. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hamartia

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hamartia

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