flaw

A problem or weakness that makes something less good or stops it from working properly.

• The plan has a flaw.
• Engineers discovered several flaws in the design.
• Can you spot the flaw in his argument?

How to use it: flaw in something (I found a flaw in your plan.)

Similar words: fault, defect, weakness, imperfection

Common phrases: major flaw, design flaw, flaw in something

A crack or gap in a solid object that makes it weaker or less valuable.

• There is a flaw in the glass.
• A tiny flaw in the blade caused it to break.
• The inspection revealed internal flaws in the metal.

How to use it: flaw in something (The jeweller noticed a flaw in the stone.)

Similar words: crack, fissure, fracture

Common phrases: flaw in something, tiny flaw, internal flaw

An error in a legal document that may stop it from being valid or having its intended effect.

• The contract contains a flaw.
• A flaw in the will led to a court case.
• Lawyers corrected several legal flaws before the document was signed.

How to use it: flaw in something (The lawyer identified a flaw in the contract.)

Similar words: defect, error

Common phrases: legal flaw, flaw in something, fatal flaw