flaw

1 of 3

noun (1)

1
a
: a defect in physical structure or form
a diamond with a flaw
b
: an imperfection or weakness and especially one that detracts from the whole or hinders effectiveness
vanity was the flaw in his character
a flaw in the book's plot
2
obsolete : fragment

flaw

2 of 3

verb

flawed; flawing; flaws

transitive verb

: to make flaws in : mar

intransitive verb

: to become defective

flaw

3 of 3

noun (2)

1
: a sudden brief burst of wind
the wind changed with flaws from westwardArchibald MacLeish
also : a spell of stormy weather
2
obsolete : an outburst especially of passion

Examples of flaw in a Sentence

Noun (1) noted the flaw in the diamond before I bought it Verb that crack has flawed the vase to the extent that its value in the antiques market is greatly reduced
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Verb
Consequently, the data going in and out of the AI application can be flawed, corrupted, biased, inaccurate, and incomplete, Dr. Alexander says. Sarah Scott, Parents, 3 Oct. 2024 One said that, without actual clues, the concept was completely flawed—the only compelling part would come at the very end, when the circle got tiny and utter chaos ensued. Joseph Bien-Kahn, WIRED, 19 Sep. 2024
Noun
State of play: The suit in U.S. District Court of the Southern District of New York alleges the network flaws violated a section of the surprise billing law that establishes provider directories exist to insulate consumers from large, unexpected medical bills. Tina Reed, Axios, 24 Oct. 2024 Oversights and flaws can be used as learning opportunities for children and parents rather than as failures. Jazmin Towe, Parents, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for flaw 

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1) and Verb

Middle English, flake, from Old Norse flaga stone slab, moldar flaga thin layer of turf; akin to Old English flōh flat stone

Noun (2)

of Scandinavian origin; akin to Norwegian flaga gust, squall

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1610, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun (2)

1513, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of flaw was in 1513

Dictionary Entries Near flaw

Cite this Entry

“Flaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flaw. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

flaw

1 of 2 noun
: a small often hidden defect
flawless
-ləs
adjective
flawlessly adverb
flawlessness noun

flaw

2 of 2 verb
: to make or become defective

More from Merriam-Webster on flaw

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