SHORTCOMING Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

shortcoming

noun

ˈshȯrt-ˌkə-miŋ

Definition of shortcoming

as in weakness

a defect in character a wife who never tires of listing her husband's perceived shortcomings

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of shortcoming Comptroller Michael Belsky said the shortcoming was not tied to recent credit downgrades. — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2026 But like the games against North Carolina and Central Florida, the Horned Frogs couldn’t overcome their own shortcomings, especially offensively. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Oct. 2026 Democrats responded to the news by accusing Republicans of using vast amounts of cash to mask their shortcomings. — Jill Colvin, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026 In at least one instance, all of Ray Gunn‘s biggest shortcomings converge in the most leadenly predictable of ways. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shortcoming

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shortcoming

Noun

Every monster has unique strengths and weaknesses, and each demands a different response.

— Jeff DeGraff, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
As rules and institutions constrain less and brute power matters more, countries will seek partners to help them blunt sanctions, access critical technologies, compensate for military weaknesses, expand their room for maneuver, and resist isolation.

— Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Foreign Affairs, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of weakness

Noun

Formerly, Christians were taught that greed--that is, the immoderate pursuit and love of money--was a sin.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
Per the official logline, in the final season, as the survivors race to bury their sins before rescue arrives and an old flame roars back into town with plans of her own.

— Denise Petski, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of sin

Noun

While it was designed to bring nationwide uniformity and stability to college athletics, its deficiencies are manifold.

— Bruce Svare, Sportico.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Commissioner John King's office previously said the March inspection found no violations, deficiencies or red tags.

— Christopher Harris, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of deficiency

Noun

In the documentation, the company is candid about its failings.

— Frank Landymore, Futurism, 14 Oct. 2026
The Army report highlighted how the air traffic controller at Reagan National Airport could have prevented the crash, but also acknowledged the military’s own failings and other contributing factors.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of failing

Browse Nearby Words

short-circuits

shortcoming

shortcomings

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“Shortcoming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shortcoming. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of shortcoming

noun

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