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
There’s no shortage of online debate over the relative worth of pet insurance, with consumers routinely trading notes on Reddit and elsewhere about rising premium costs, unexpected cancellations and other common shortcomings.
—
Evie Steele, NBC news, 9 July 2025
If anything, some of the paper’s detractors argued, the findings simply demonstrated how humanlike AI models are through their shortcomings.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 8 July 2025
The Blackhawks haven’t done the best job supporting Bedard in Chicago, which has amplified some of his shortcomings.
—Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 8 July 2025
Ukraine’s offensive success against Russia, such as the recent drone attack conducted from trucks positioned deep inside Russian territory, reveals potential shortcomings in U.S. defenses, as well, including in the homeland.
—Jon Finer, Foreign Affairs, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for shortcoming
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Evie Steele, NBC news, 9 July 2025
If anything, some of the paper’s detractors argued, the findings simply demonstrated how humanlike AI models are through their shortcomings.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 8 July 2025
The Blackhawks haven’t done the best job supporting Bedard in Chicago, which has amplified some of his shortcomings.
—Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 8 July 2025
Ukraine’s offensive success against Russia, such as the recent drone attack conducted from trucks positioned deep inside Russian territory, reveals potential shortcomings in U.S. defenses, as well, including in the homeland.
—Jon Finer, Foreign Affairs, 7 July 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 14 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
shortcoming
noun
short·com·ing
ˈshȯrt-ˌkəm-iŋ
(ˈ)shȯrt-ˈkəm-
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