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
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
Dallas dropped to 6-8-1 after the loss to Los Angeles, and team owner Jerry Jones opened up about some of the team’s shortcomings.
—
Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 22 Dec. 2025
But others seem like reactions to long-standing shortcomings.
—Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 19 Dec. 2025
Those defensive shortcomings were on full display Sunday night.
—Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Dec. 2025
It was only publicized this fall when a former BBC adviser’s memo about editorial shortcomings was leaked to a British newspaper.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shortcoming
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 22 Dec. 2025
But others seem like reactions to long-standing shortcomings.
—Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 19 Dec. 2025
Those defensive shortcomings were on full display Sunday night.
—Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Dec. 2025
It was only publicized this fall when a former BBC adviser’s memo about editorial shortcomings was leaked to a British newspaper.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shortcoming
Cite this Entry
“Shortcoming.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shortcoming. Accessed 24 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
shortcoming
noun
short·com·ing
ˈshȯrt-ˌkəm-iŋ
(ˈ)shȯrt-ˈkəm-
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share