shortcoming

noun short·com·ing \ ˈshȯrt-ˌkə-miŋ , ˌshȯrt-ˈkə- \

Updated on: 12 May 2018

Definition of shortcoming

: an imperfection or lack that detracts from the whole; also : the quality or state of being flawed or lacking

See shortcoming defined for English-language learners

See shortcoming defined for kids

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 of shortcoming from the Web

The Argentinian lamented his side's attacking shortcomings after their disappointing 1-0 loss, also confessing that a lack of aggression in the final third potentially cost his side a win.

— SI.com, "Mauricio Pochettino Reveals the Reason Why He Recalled Toby Alderweireld for West Brom Defeat," 6 May 2018
The real shortcoming is that Britain, rarely among advanced countries, lacks a simple, non-discriminatory way to check the identity of its population.

— The Economist, "Britain needs a national identity register," 5 May 2018
Joe Prunty is a good man who was thrust into a difficult situation after Jason Kidd was fired in January and considering the team’s shortcomings did a commendable job.

— gary d'amato, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "D'Amato: The 2017-'18 season for the Bucks was a big disappointment," 29 Apr. 2018
The offensive shortcomings and lack of quality at-bats for both Fisher and Jake Marisnick have cut into each player's time, Hinch said last week.

— chandler rome, Houston Chronicle, "Astros trying to remain patient through Derek Fisher's offensive struggles," 24 Apr. 2018
State officials called the bidding companies and discussed shortcomings.

— adam ashton, sacbee, "Cal Fire's new helicopters cost twice as much as the Legislature expected | The Sacramento Bee," 2 Apr. 2018
All of these aggravating, but hardly world-ending shortcomings drive me nuts, especially the fact that Art3mis's love is still basically Watts's reward at film's end.

— simon abrams, The Hollywood Reporter, "Dissecting 'Ready Player One' and Its Biggest Problem," 1 Apr. 2018
Weber's biggest shortcomings are some of Martin's greatest strengths.

— kansascity, "Mellinger Minutes: Hey, look how good the Big 12 did in this year's NCAA tourney! Plus Royals and more | The Kansas City Star," 28 Mar. 2018
And on the whole, this season featured a really good cast of compelling, smart, and accomplished women who did a ton of work to mask Arie’s obvious shortcomings.

— jay willis, GQ, "The Bachelor Finale: Let's Scrutinize Arie's Long, Dumb Search for Love," 5 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'shortcoming.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of shortcoming

15th century

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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shortcoming Synonyms

Phrases

feet of clay;

SHORTCOMING Defined for English Language Learners

shortcoming

noun

Definition of shortcoming for English Language Learners

: a weakness in someone's character : a personal fault or failing
: a bad feature : a flaw or defect in something

SHORTCOMING Defined for Kids

shortcoming

noun short·com·ing \ ˈshȯrt-ˌkə-miŋ \

Definition of shortcoming for Students

: fault 1

… her most serious shortcoming seemed to be a tendency to fall into daydreams in the middle of a task …
—Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables