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

OpenAI acknowledged these shortcomings as areas for improvement. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026

But to do it without five of his six best weapons speaks not only to his excellence but the glaring shortcomings in the Dolphins’ defense. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2026

Its shortcomings, including a lack of keyboard backlighting and an 8GB memory limit, are tolerable given the price. — Charles Jefferies, PC Magazine, 31 Oct. 2026

Lee said the Buildings Department, the Fire Services Department and the Labor Department had shortcomings in supervision over fire hazards of the apartment complex. — ABC News, 29 Oct. 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