shortcoming

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

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 Justice Department also found shortcomings in the investigations of non-fatal police shootings, due in part to the fact that internal affairs does not participate in crime scene investigations.

— jsonline.com, "Trust damaged between Milwaukee police and community, Department of Justice draft report says," 30 Aug. 2017
Based on the information available, de Rocha said there were several shortcomings with the survey.

— andy marso, kansascity, "KanCare last in customer satisfaction, J.D. Power reports," 16 Aug. 2017
Despite its initial box-office shortcomings, Fast Times is now widely regarded as a seminal high-school film, particularly one that paved the way for the John Hughes-Molly Ringwald wave of the ’80s.

— yohana desta, HWD, "How Sean Penn Saved Fast Times at Ridgemont High from Destruction," 11 Aug. 2017
A shortcoming of this approach is that the blade is damaged in the process, requiring a replacement.

— timothy b. lee, Ars Technica, "Feds might force table-saw makers to adopt radically safer technology," 10 Aug. 2017
Everything surrounding those two destinations is drab and dirty, and the city needs to address these shortcomings pronto.

— neal broverman, Los Angeles Magazine, "Angels Flight Deserves a More Uplifting Home," 31 July 2017
On other shortcomings the countries are more evenly matched.

— The Economist, "Reconciliation is not impossible, but it will be a long, slow process," 22 July 2017
Like 13 Reasons Why, Netflix’s last take on a serious mental-health Issue, the film has quickly become mired in controversy over its shortcomings as an educational tool.

— anna silman, The Cut, "Can an Actress Who’s Struggled With an Eating Disorder Safely Lose Weight for a Role?," 20 July 2017
Two sources familiar with the videos say that HHS continues to draw money from the outreach fund, even though its objective has switched from promoting the ACA to highlighting the law’s critics and its shortcomings.

— eric levitz, Daily Intelligencer, "Trump Administration Used Public Funds to Sabotage the Health-Care System," 20 July 2017

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

shortcoming Synonyms

Synonyms

demerit, dereliction, failing, foible, frailty, fault, sin, vice, want, weakness

Antonyms

merit, virtue

Related Words

blot, spot, stain; blemish, deficiency, flaw, imperfection, minus, nit; Achilles' heel, soft spot; corruption, depravity, evil, immorality, sinfulness, wickedness

Near Antonyms

excellence, perfection; goodness, integrity, morality, probity, rectitude, righteousness

SHORTCOMING Defined for English Language Learners

shortcoming

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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

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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