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

But, even with this major shortcoming, my home still felt much cleaner, smelled fresher, and honestly felt even a tad bit more peaceful at the end of the day. — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 6 July 2026

Youssef added that one of the biggest shortcomings in many squatter investigations is the lack of follow-up fact gathering. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026

Neither the economic clouds or battlefield shortcomings have been enough to stop Putin and the Russian military. — Tristan Bove, Fortune, 2 July 2026

What followed wasn’t just a shortcoming or a foreign policy setback, but an indictment of the Chinese model in Africa. — Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 1 July 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