/flɔ:; flɔ/
n
1 crack or fault (in an object or in material); imperfection （物体或材料的）裂纹或缺陷, 瑕疵
*This vase would be perfect but for a few small flaws in its base. 这花瓶底部没有那几个小斑点就十全十美了.
2 mistake that lessens the effectiveness or validity of sth 错误; 缺点
*an argument full of flaws 错误百出的论点
* a flaw in a contract 合同中的一个漏洞.
3 weak part in sb's character （某人性格上的）缺陷
*Pride was the greatest flaw in his personality. 傲慢是他品格上的最大缺陷.

v [Tn usu passive 通常用于被动语态] cause (sth) to have a flaw 使（某事物）有缺陷
*His reasoning can't be flawed. 他的推理无懈可击.
* a flawed masterpiece, ie a work of art that is very great despite its minor faults 有瑕疵的杰作.

n[C]
[Date: 1300-1400; Origin: Perhaps from Old Norse flaga 'flat stone'; FLAG¹]
a mistake, mark, or weakness that makes something imperfect
= defectflaw in
　a flaw in the software
serious/major/basic/minor etc flaw
　a slight flaw in the glass
　A design flaw (=a mistake or weakness in the way something was made) caused the engine to explode.
a mistake or problem in an argument, plan, set of ideas etc
flaw of
　Beautiful scenery does not make up for the flaws of this film.
flaw in
　There is a fundamental flaw in Walton's argument.
fatal flaw
(=a weakness that makes something certain to fail)
a fault in someone's character
　Jealousy is Othello's major flaw.
　the former President's character flaws