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

• 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

There’s no shortage of online debate over the relative worth of pet insurance, with consumers routinely trading notes on Reddit and elsewhere about rising premium costs, unexpected cancellations and other common shortcomings. —Evie Steele, NBC news, 9 July 2025

If anything, some of the paper’s detractors argued, the findings simply demonstrated how humanlike AI models are through their shortcomings. —Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 8 July 2025

The Blackhawks haven’t done the best job supporting Bedard in Chicago, which has amplified some of his shortcomings. —Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 8 July 2025

Ukraine’s offensive success against Russia, such as the recent drone attack conducted from trucks positioned deep inside Russian territory, reveals potential shortcomings in U.S. defenses, as well, including in the homeland. —Jon Finer, Foreign Affairs, 7 July 2025

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