failings or defects crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "failings or defects," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible solutions, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "failings or defects crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
FLAWS: Minor imperfections or errors, often referring to character or quality.
VICES: Immoral or wicked behaviors, which can be seen as personal failings.
7 Letters
DEFECTS: A shortcoming, imperfection, or lack; a direct synonym of the clue.
9 Letters
BLEMISHES: Small marks or flaws that spoil the appearance of something.
12 Letters
SHORTCOMINGS: Faults or failures to meet a certain standard; a comprehensive term for failings or defects.
More About "failings or defects crossword clue"
The clue "failings or defects" often points to words describing imperfections, flaws, or errors, either in character, physical form, or systemic function. Crossword setters love to use synonyms that can be applied broadly. When you encounter this clue, consider whether the puzzle is leaning towards a human characteristic, a mechanical issue, or a general imperfection.
For instance, 'FLAWS' and 'DEFECTS' are highly versatile and can describe problems in a person's personality, a manufactured product, or even a logical argument. 'VICES' specifically refers to moral or personal failings, while 'SHORTCOMINGS' is a broader term for any inadequacy or deficiency. Understanding the nuances of these synonyms is key to selecting the correct answer based on the context of other clues in your puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: Always check the number of letters required for the answer. This is your most powerful filter. For "failings or defects," knowing if it's a 5-letter or 12-letter word immediately narrows your options.
- Consider Plural vs. Singular: The clue "failings or defects" is plural. Your answer should almost certainly be plural too, unless the clue implies a collective noun or a very specific singular concept that fits the plural meaning.
- Look for Context Clues: Check surrounding clues in the crossword puzzle. Do other clues hint at a theme related to morality, engineering, or general human nature? This can help you choose between similar synonyms like 'VICES' and 'DEFECTS'.
- Think of Common Crossword Tropes: Crosswords often recycle common concepts. Words for imperfections are very frequent. Familiarize yourself with common answers for similar clues over time.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good strategy for solving crossword clues about character flaws?
When encountering clues about character flaws or imperfections, consider synonyms related to moral weaknesses, personal faults, or even physical imperfections. Think broadly about the context – is it a person's character, an object's quality, or a system's deficiency? Common answers often include words like 'VICES', 'FLAWS', 'HABITS', or 'FOIBLES'.
How can I quickly find synonyms for 'failings' or 'defects'?
To quickly find synonyms, start by breaking down the core meaning of 'failings' (faults, errors, weaknesses) and 'defects' (imperfections, flaws, shortcomings). Use a thesaurus or a quick online search for synonyms. Also, consider antonyms (e.g., perfection, strength) and think of words that describe the opposite, which sometimes helps in narrowing down related concepts.
What are common letter patterns for answers related to imperfections?
Common letter patterns vary, but many answers for imperfections are 5-7 letters long (e.g., FLAWS, VICES, DEFECTS, ERRORS). Longer words like SHORTCOMINGS or IMPERFECTIONS also appear for more complex clues. Pay attention to common prefixes (e.g., 'IM-' for imperfection) or suffixes (e.g., '-INGS' for shortcomings) that might give a hint to the word structure.