noun
Formal term for a flaw or defect, especially in legal contexts (e.g., product liability, contract law). In everyday speech, 欠陥 (けっかん) or 不具合 (ふぐあい) are more common.
この製品に瑕疵があった場合、返品できます。
If this product has a defect, you can return it.
契約書に瑕疵が見つかった。
A flaw was found in the contract.
欠陥 is a more general and common word for 'defect' or 'flaw', used in everyday contexts as well as technical ones. 瑕疵 is more formal and legalistic.
不具合 is a common word for 'malfunction' or 'problem', often used for software or mechanical issues. 瑕疵 is more about inherent flaws or legal defects.
The kanji 瑕 means 'flaw' or 'blemish', and 疵 means 'crack' or 'flaw'. Together they form a compound meaning 'flaw' or 'defect'. The reading かし is the on'yomi of both characters.