vice

fault, failing, frailty, foible, vice mean an imperfection or weakness of character.

fault implies a failure, not necessarily culpable, to reach some standard of perfection in disposition, action, or habit.

failing suggests a minor shortcoming in character.

frailty implies a general or chronic proneness to yield to temptation.

foible applies to a harmless or endearing weakness or idiosyncrasy.

vice can be a general term for any imperfection or weakness, but it often suggests violation of a moral code or the giving of offense to the moral sensibilities of others.

offense, sin, vice, crime, scandal mean a transgression of law.

offense applies to the infraction of any law, rule, or code.

sin implies an offense against moral or religious law.

vice applies to a habit or practice that degrades or corrupts.

crime implies a serious offense punishable by the law of the state.

scandal applies to an offense that outrages the public conscience.