Flaw

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /flɔː/

Definitions

1. An imperfection, defect, or weakness that diminishes the quality or integrity of something
2. A fault, imperfection, or weakness that adversely affects the overall quality or function of an object or concept
3. A defect, shortcoming, or error that undermines the effectiveness or perfection of a system or item

Etymology: The noun "flaw" began as a word for a small broken-off piece of something. In Middle English it appeared as "flawe" or "flay," meaning a flake of fire or snow, a spark, or a splinter. Its likely Norse source, "flaga," meant a flat slab of stone or a flake, and the family of related words across Germanic languages keeps that sense of something chipped away from a larger surface, such as Old English "flōh," a fragment or piece. The metaphor is easy to follow. A crack or chip in a gemstone or a piece of pottery is a break in its surface, and "flaw" came to name exactly that kind of break. From there it broadened to any defect that weakens the whole, which is why we now speak of a flawed argument or a flaw in someone's character.

Synonyms: defect, blemish, imperfection, error, shortcoming

Antonyms: perfection, strength, virtue, advantage, asset