Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

fatal-flaw

noun
/ˈfeɪtl flɔː/
Definition
A fundamental weakness in a character or situation that leads to failure or disaster.
Examples
  • The hero’s fatal flaw was his pride, which ultimately led to his downfall.
  • In the story, the fatal flaw of the villain was his inability to trust anyone, resulting in his isolation.
  • Many believe that the fatal flaw in the company’s strategy was its neglect of changing consumer preferences.
Meaning
A critical flaw in a person’s character or in a plan that causes it to fail.
Synonyms
  • Achilles’ heel
  • Weakness
  • Shortcoming
  • Downfall