structural problem

noun

UK /ˈstrʌk.tʃər.əl ˈprɒb.ləm/

US /ˈstrʌk.tʃɚ.əl ˈprɑː.bləm/

A problem with the way something is built or put together.

The engineer found a structural problem in the bridge.

SYNONYMS

construction flaw design fault building defect framework issue architectural problem

RELATED WORDS

structure foundation framework engineering defect

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A basic flaw in how a system or organization is organized.

The company's delays came from a structural problem in how decisions were made.

3. A weakness in the way a story or argument is arranged.

The essay had a structural problem because its main points were out of order.

4. A fault in the load-bearing parts of a building or machine.

Inspectors warned that the old warehouse had a serious structural problem.