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

Before the earthquakes, the government generally defended its national health system as robust, blaming shortcomings on sanctions imposed by the United States. — Max Saltman, CNN Money, 30 June 2026

However, critics point to shortcomings, including no explicit housing supply target or new federal down payment aid. — Jamie Gold, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Those shortcomings reflect to a great degree how little Miami’s business and political leadership has valued indigenous sites, Wheeler and archaeologists say. — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026

The German team opened the 2026 tournament with a 7–1 win over debutant Curaçao, but an unconvincing performance in a 2–1 victory over Côte d’Ivoire exposed the team’s shortcomings. — Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 June 2026

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