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

Green agreed with Post, but also took the blame for the Warriors’ shortcomings on that side of the ball. —Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2025

This iteration of the Prius addresses the shortcomings of its predecessor, transforming the hatchback into an exciting, fun car that can go the distance on a single tank of gas. —Charles Singh, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025

The carbon market has been beset by shortcomings and subject to accusations of greenwashing, however. —Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025

Whether that is a shortcoming of the script (Ramsay wrote the film, along with Enda Walsh and Alice Birch; it’s based on Ariana Harwicz’s novel) or purposeful by Ramsay in an attempt to keep the lines between reality and depressive fantasy blurred is unclear. —Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 6 Nov. 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