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

So far in his tenure as chief baseball officer, little about the robotic Breslow has become clearer than his shortcomings as a modern-day GM. —Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 16 June 2025

Liverpool fans, it should be said, have loved his all-action play, despite his shortcomings. —Caoimhe O'Neill, New York Times, 15 June 2025

Bane seemed to be the odd man out from the shortcomings, and now the Grizzlies have a lot of work to do. —Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025

The researchers emphasize that their findings reflect institutional failures rather than individual judicial shortcomings. —Lars Daniel, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for shortcoming

• becoming
• forthcoming
• homecoming
• incoming
• oncoming
• succumbing
• upcoming
• coming
• cumming
• drumming
• gumming
• humming

Kids Definition

shortcoming

noun

short·​com·​ing ˈshȯrt-ˌkəm-iŋ 

(ˈ)shȯrt-ˈkəm-

: fault entry 1 sense 1b