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

Polymarket founder Shayne Coplan has acknowledged the shortcomings with the UMA process at a number of points in the past. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 26 May 2026

The shortcomings of that approach were apparent under the Biden administration, which took pride in more or less banishing economists from economic policy-making positions. —Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 26 May 2026

To overcome these shortcomings, Blue Energy and GE Vernova have hit on the idea of combining gas turbine and nuclear generation in one plant. —David Szondy may 24, New Atlas, 24 May 2026

Énard’s leading men are students of their own shortcomings. —Christopher Byrd, The New York Review of Books, 23 May 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