Synonyms

tragic flaw

American

[traj-ik flaw] / ˈtrædʒ ɪk ˈflɔ /

noun

Literature.

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

tragic flaw British

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of tragic flaw

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

From Washington Post • Mar. 23, 2023

Beany struggles with a tragic flaw, a quick temper and a terrible pride, which makes it difficult for her to apologize for the things she does when angry.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2020

This shortsightedness might seem like Hamid’s own tragic flaw were it not writ large elsewhere throughout history.

From New York Times • Apr. 14, 2020

In this telling, Coriolanus’ overestimation of her own savvy is a tragic flaw.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 24, 2017

The Duchess set about studying Annette and shortly found her adversary’s tragic flaw.

From "The Princess Bride" by William Goldman

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023