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
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
The study found that only 8 of 47 safety features tested were fully effective, and internal documents suggest that Meta was aware of some shortcomings.
—
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Like countless generations before them, today’s young adults are subject to what feels like a constant barrage of headlines bemoaning their generational shortcomings.
—Abby Monteil, Them., 3 Oct. 2025
General manager Brian Cashman tepidly acknowledged the those shortcomings a few days later, but his actions spoke louder than words.
—Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Public transport in the 1920s As a longtime Philadelphian who lived in Center City, Miriam Axelrod was familiar with the strengths and shortcomings of public transportation.
—Menika Dirkson, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shortcoming
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Like countless generations before them, today’s young adults are subject to what feels like a constant barrage of headlines bemoaning their generational shortcomings.
—Abby Monteil, Them., 3 Oct. 2025
General manager Brian Cashman tepidly acknowledged the those shortcomings a few days later, but his actions spoke louder than words.
—Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Public transport in the 1920s As a longtime Philadelphian who lived in Center City, Miriam Axelrod was familiar with the strengths and shortcomings of public transportation.
—Menika Dirkson, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shortcoming
Cite this Entry
“Shortcoming.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shortcoming. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
shortcoming
noun
short·com·ing
ˈshȯrt-ˌkəm-iŋ
(ˈ)shȯrt-ˈkəm-
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share