tragic flaw

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 tragic flaw Many people think of parent-child relationships as the most formative ones—the source of attachment styles, daddy issues, tragic flaws. Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 7 Oct. 2024 The political actors onstage in Milwaukee wore their tragic flaws on their sleeves. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2023 That tendency toward self-critique may ultimately have been the tragic flaw of Menand’s midcentury creatives. Beverly Gage, Foreign Affairs, 14 Dec. 2021 Thomas is selfless and fearless in his quest to do good, but his tragic flaws of hubris, stubbornness and self-destructiveness become his undoing. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 June 2023 His obsession proved his tragic flaw. Pablo Sandoval, Variety, 3 Oct. 2022 Yet that benefit concealed a tragic flaw. Maryn McKenna, WIRED, 24 Aug. 2022 There’s some tragic flaw there. Washington Post, 17 Jan. 2021 Eddie is the Oberyn Martell of Stranger Things: a colorful, big personality with a tragic flaw. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 17 July 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tragic flaw
Noun
  • In reality, the 64-year-old actress has a soft spot for senior dogs.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 22 June 2025
  • McKinney Between 35 to 50 minutes from Dallas McKinney, Texas, has a little something for everybody, starting with those with a soft spot for charming downtowns.
    Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • Nick’s dedication to the commanders proves to be his undoing.
    Barry Levitt, Time, 27 May 2025
  • Maybe the dutiful nature of this project was its undoing.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tragic flaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tragic%20flaw. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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