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

Still, those shortcomings are easy to overlook once the printer starts cranking out consistently excellent objects. — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 27 June 2026

Yet soon, details emerged suggesting that regulatory shortcomings did indeed play a central part. — Oscar Schwartz, New Yorker, 29 June 2026

However, critics point to shortcomings, including no explicit housing supply target or new federal down payment aid. — Jamie Gold, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

But Robertson said that the omission of any testimony on the shortcomings in the fighting of the fire, after a ruling by the judge, was an elephant in the room that was clearly bothersome to jurors. — Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 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