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

• weakness
• fault
• sin
• deficiency
• failing

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

The series sounds the alarm on the waning influence of traditional media and calls prominent journalists, including former New York Times writer Judith Miller, to task for reporting shortcomings. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 15 Aug. 2025

The pandemic exposed these shortcomings: Students who experienced this superficial digitization after the abrupt shift online declared that higher education via Zoom often left them dissatisfied with both the process and results. —Scott Pulsipher, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025

Last year, the FAA's leadership under the Biden administration established a committee to examine the shortcomings of Part 450. —Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2025

This could help people better understand their heart health, though some experts say the heart age calculator has possible shortcomings. —Kristen Fischer, Health, 9 Aug. 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