shortcoming

noun

short·​com·​ing ˈshȯrt-ˌkə-miŋ 

ˌshȯrt-ˈkə-

: an imperfection or lack that detracts from the whole

also : the quality or state of being flawed or lacking

Synonyms

• demerit
• dereliction
• failing
• fault
• foible
• frailty
• sin
• vice
• want
• weakness

Examples of shortcoming in a Sentence

Her lack of attention to detail is her biggest shortcoming.

The main shortcoming of this camera is that it uses up batteries quickly.

Recent Examples on the Web

Almost all remember their coach affectionately, tempered with frustration at his tactical shortcomings. —Pablo Maurer, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024

Another shortcoming: There's no programming interface for Apple, Google, and Microsoft platforms to directly pass credentials from one to the other. —Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 30 Dec. 2024

There are many shortcoming's that contribute to China's low fertility rate. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024

The two-month window during which hackers maintained unauthorized access suggests potential shortcomings in SRP’s security monitoring and incident response protocols. —Lars Daniel, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

shortcoming

noun

short·​com·​ing ˈshȯrt-ˌkəm-iŋ 

(ˈ)shȯrt-ˈkəm-

: fault entry 1 sense 1b