tragic flaw

American  

[traj-ik flaw] / ˈtrædʒ ɪk ˈflɔ /

noun

Literature.

1. the character defect that causes the downfall of the protagonist of a tragedy; hamartia.

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tragic flaw British  

noun

1. a failing of character in the hero of a tragedy that brings about his downfall

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Etymology

Origin of tragic flaw

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

History reflects humankind’s most tragic flaw: Humans are incapable of protecting themselves from themselves.

From Washington Post

He’s a man constantly overheated, which is what makes him tick, and is his tragic flaw.

From New York Times

Like, “I just love too hard” or, “My tragic flaw is that I care too much!”

From Los Angeles Times

Speaking of Siegfried, Ross himself wittily concludes, that “stupidity is his tragic flaw.”

From Washington Post

Its hero refuses to confront its tragic flaw, which will be its downfall.

From Los Angeles Times