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

Another major scene in this finale is Jimmy apologizing to Alice for his shortcomings as a father. —Nick Caruso, TVLine, 24 Dec. 2024

But perhaps his biggest shortcoming was how scant his puck possession was while Montgomery was under fire. —Fluto Shinzawa, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024

One by one, Republican and Democratic senators admonished Moore for the agency’s shortcomings in everything from wildfire prevention to timber sales. —Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 23 Dec. 2024

Some physicists investigating these problems believe that string theory can help, since a string version of the Standard Model will contain additional math that could account for its shortcomings. —Tom Siegfried, JSTOR Daily, 19 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