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

Meanwhile, the Knicks are left to regroup, knowing that the growing pains of integrating major offseason additions are part of the process — but also recognizing the urgency to address their shortcomings. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 12 Dec. 2024

My concern is that few politicians recognize the creeping financial and credibility risks with this impasse, and neither is there much recognition of the need to update the constitution and political process given the shortcomings that this debacle has highlighted. —Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

The montage skips between topics ranging from the rise of hateful authoritarians around the world and Carax’s shortcomings as a father to the Hitchcock films that sparked his lifelong fascination with POV shots. —Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 10 Dec. 2024

He’s made up for his lack of production by delivering key passes or key scrambles in certain critical moments, and the passing game’s shortcomings have been mitigated by Barkley’s dominance. —Brooks Kubena, The Athletic, 9 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