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 of shortcoming

• 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

Head coach Jeff Hafley, who also doubles as the defensive playcaller, intends on pulling out all the stops to address the defense’s pass-rushing shortcoming. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2026

Lawyers complain about hallucinations, mistakes, and the technology’s other shortcomings. — Logan Brown, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2026

Because Scott is in virtually every scene, and his work is so deeply affecting that most people leave the movie thinking about that, not minor shortcomings. — Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 20 Sep. 2026

Based on those numbers, critics generally approved of the season's direction more than the audience did, yet prominent progressive reviewers still found new ideological shortcomings to condemn. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026

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