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

For residents, the reservoir nonetheless remains a painfully visible symbol of the city’s shortcomings. — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Beneath the spy plots, then, is a fond portrait of a group of people held in perpetual disgrace for their shortcomings, and thus forced to find individual paths to redemption. — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026

Despite its shortcomings – and its failure to prevent dispossession and repression – Israeli citizenship has still been taken particularly seriously by Palestinian citizens. — Tamir Sorek, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 2026

So much so that it’s been amply speculated his negligible production was about shortcomings. — Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 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