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

• 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

That should pay dividends as the team looks to address some of the shortcomings that plagued them in 2024. —C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 26 June 2025

Both are rooted in security vulnerabilities and governance shortcomings. —Diganta Sengupta, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025

Walters’s achievements and shortcomings are given equal airtime in the new documentary Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything, which premiered at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival and lands on Hulu today. —Alex Jhamb Burns, Vogue, 23 June 2025

Part of these shortcomings can be addressed by balancing out the lineup up front, as Toronto was caved in with the bottom six on the ice too frequently. —James Mirtle, New York Times, 18 June 2025

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