Achilles' heel

as in back
a vulnerable point the food supply proved to be the nation's Achilles' heel in its defense against terrorist attacks

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of Achilles' heel For years, spacing has been an Achilles' heel, often clogging driving lanes for LeBron. Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025 This is the Achilles' heel of countless companies, as IT management and employee management must increasingly be considered holistically. Dennis-Kenji Kipker, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025 The Republicans' Achilles' heel The new Achilles' heel for the GOP is spring court elections, which have become highly partisan and politically consequential. Craig Gilbert, jsonline.com, 18 July 2025 In Apple's case, solid-state drives have sometimes been an Achilles' heel. Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 10 June 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for Achilles' heel
Noun
  • Joachim Andersen and Calvin Bassey have formed a strong centre-back partnership and, when fit, Antonee Robinson is among world football’s most energetic full-backs.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The single panels have two hanging options, including a 3-inch rod pocket or back tabs that can hold curtain rings.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Maura’s got a soft spot in her heart for criminals, foreign or domestic.
    Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Besides, Tom clearly has a soft spot for misfits.
    Grace Byron, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Achilles' heel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/Achilles%27%20heel. Accessed 1 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!