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
This reporting shows both the promise and the shortcomings of a once-in-a-generation influx of resources, and the many lives that depend on Tennessee turning that promise into lasting change.
—
Kelly Puente, Nashville Tennessean, 14 Dec. 2025
Meanwhile, German football analysts were suggesting that England’s lack of an equivalent word was not a mere linguistic shortcoming, but a tactical failing too.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2025
Using scorecards to rank jurisdictions on measures such as ownership caps and data availability, the Institute assessed New South Wales — home to Sydney — as the strongest performer on transparency, even as broader national shortcomings persist.
—Peter Vercoe, Fortune, 14 Dec. 2025
That Kail’s production captures its complex, tactile vitality — at once plush and grimy; Eugene was no minimalist — is, whatever the shortcomings, a real triumph.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shortcoming
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Kelly Puente, Nashville Tennessean, 14 Dec. 2025
Meanwhile, German football analysts were suggesting that England’s lack of an equivalent word was not a mere linguistic shortcoming, but a tactical failing too.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2025
Using scorecards to rank jurisdictions on measures such as ownership caps and data availability, the Institute assessed New South Wales — home to Sydney — as the strongest performer on transparency, even as broader national shortcomings persist.
—Peter Vercoe, Fortune, 14 Dec. 2025
That Kail’s production captures its complex, tactile vitality — at once plush and grimy; Eugene was no minimalist — is, whatever the shortcomings, a real triumph.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 Dec. 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 17 Dec. 2025.
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shortcoming
noun
short·com·ing
ˈshȯrt-ˌkəm-iŋ
(ˈ)shȯrt-ˈkəm-
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