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 one flaw in his character.
There are a few flaws in your argument.
a flaw in the book's plot
2
obsolete
: fragment
flawed; flawing; flaws
: to become defective
1
: a sudden brief burst of wind
… the wind changed with flaws from westward …—Archibald MacLeish
also
: a spell of stormy weather
2
obsolete
: an outburst especially of passion
Cite this Entry
“Flaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flaw. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.
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