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achilles heel

A·chil·les heel
A a

Transcription

    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • [uh-kil-eez heel]
    • /əˈkɪl iz hil/
    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • [uh-kil-eez heel]
    • /əˈkɪl iz hil/

Definitions of achilles heel words

  • singular noun achilles heel Someone's Achilles heel is the weakest point in their character or nature, where it is easiest for other people to attack or criticize them. 3
  • noun achilles heel a small but fatal weakness 3
  • noun achilles heel (one's) vulnerable or susceptible spot 3
  • noun achilles heel a portion, spot, area, or the like, that is especially or solely vulnerable: His Achilles heel is his quick temper. 1
  • noun achilles heel weak spot 1
  • noun achilles heel A vulnerability in an otherwise strong situation. 0
See all 7 definitions of achilles heel

Information block about the term

Origin of achilles heel

First appearance:

before 1800
One of the 42% newest English words
First recorded in 1800-10

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Achilles heel

noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
Full grammatical hierarchy of Achilles heel

achilles heel popularity

A pretty common term. Usually people know it’s meaning, but prefer to use a more spread out synonym. About 32% of English native speakers know the meaning and use word.
According to our data about 64% of words is more used. This is a rare but used term. It occurs in the pages of specialized literature and in the speech of educated people.

achilles heel usage trend in Literature

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

Synonyms for achilles heel

noun achilles heel

  • defect — A defect is a fault or imperfection in a person or thing.
  • failing — Slang. an embarrassing or humorous mistake, humiliating situation, etc., that is subject to ridicule and given an exaggerated importance: Their app update is a massive fail. the condition or quality resulting from having failed in this way: His online post is full of fail. a person who fails in this way.
  • flaw — Also called windflaw. a sudden, usually brief windstorm or gust of wind.
  • foible — a minor weakness or failing of character; slight flaw or defect: an all-too-human foible.
  • frailty — the quality or state of being frail.
All 10 Synonyms of achilles heel

See also

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