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flaw

noun/flɔ/

an imperfection or weakness in something that may hinder its quality or functionality

The main flaw in the design of the product led to its eventual recall due to safety concerns.

defectimperfectionblemish
word origin — Middle English 'flaw', originally meaning 'a piece of a broken object'.

TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 25

Set 25 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: flaw, forensics, nucleus, paradox, malady. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. flaw · noun/flɔ/

    an imperfection or weakness in something that may hinder its quality or functionality

    The main flaw in the design of the product led to its eventual recall due to safety concerns.

    Synonyms: defect, imperfection, blemish

    Origin: Middle English 'flaw', originally meaning 'a piece of a broken object'.

  2. forensics · noun/fəˈrɛn.sɪks/

    the scientific methods used to investigate crimes and analyze evidence

    The detective relied on forensics to uncover the truth behind the mysterious crime scene.

    Synonyms: criminalistics, forensic science, legal medicine

    Origin: From Latin 'forensis', meaning 'of the forum'.

  3. nucleus · noun/ˈnuː.kli.əs/

    the central and most important part of an object or group

    The nucleus of the discussion focused on improving community relations among local residents.

    Synonyms: core, center, heart

    Origin: from Latin 'nucleus', meaning 'kernel' or 'seed'

  4. paradox · noun/ˈpær.ə.dɑks/

    a statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth

    The paradox of choice suggests that having too many options can actually lead to less satisfaction overall.

    Synonyms: contradiction, anomaly, inconsistency

    Origin: from Late Latin 'paradoxum', from Greek 'paradoxon' meaning 'contrary to expectation', from 'para-' meaning 'beside' and 'doxa' meaning 'opinion'

  5. malady · noun/ˈmæl.ə.di/

    a disease or disorder of the body or mind

    The patient was diagnosed with a chronic malady that required ongoing treatment and management.

    Synonyms: illness, disorder, ailment

    Origin: from Old French 'maladie', from 'malad', meaning 'sick', from Latin 'malus' meaning 'bad'