structural weakness
Inherent design flaw
A structural weakness is a flaw in how something is built or organized that compromises its integrity or function.
In engineering, it's a defect in load-bearing elements: The bridge collapse was traced to a structural weakness in the support columns.
The phrase extends to systems, arguments, or institutions: The plan has a structural weakness—it assumes unlimited funding.
Unlike surface problems, structural weaknesses require fundamental redesign to fix.
- flawImperfection in something
- weak linkLeast reliable component
- crackNarrow break or attempt
- hairline crackNarrow, barely visible fissure
- fractureSplit in hard material
stress fracture · fault · fault line · vulnerability · instability · house of cards · collapse · give way · failure · defect · brittleness · fatigue · stress · strain · weight limit · buckling · load bearing · corrosion
structural weaknessstructural integrity
Wholeness under load
structural stability · robustness · solidity · sturdiness · durability
structural, structure, structures, structured, structuring, restructure, restructuring, infrastructure, infrastructural