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

Further still, Karty complicated their offensive shortcomings by striking knuckleball kickoffs that return specialists Tank Bigsby and John Metchie III could not handle. —Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 22 Sep. 2025

And even newer backup technologies face shortcomings; for instance, visual systems can fail because of cloud cover or when used over water. —Paul Smith-Goodson, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025

Following yet another collapse on Tuesday night in which the Dodgers turned a 4-0 lead and no-hitter through five innings into a 9-6 loss, manager Dave Roberts was asked to dissect his bullpen's shortcomings. —Noah Camras, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025

But some were clear shortcomings in coverage. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 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