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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Regardless of what anyone said, Tuchel’s appointment always felt like a short-term move to deliver England from some of the tactical shortcomings that were a fair accusation to level at Southgate. — The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 16 July 2026 Most importantly, the renovation solved the hotel’s practical shortcomings without stripping away the qualities that made longtime guests love it in the first place. — Jill Robbins, Southern Living, 11 July 2026 But Nguyen isn’t shy about the shortcomings of his first classic car, an iconic 1970 Ford Bronco. — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 10 July 2026 If your main reason for getting a streaming service is to watch live sports, YouTube TV and DirecTV each have their advantages and shortcomings. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for shortcoming

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shortcoming

Noun

Such declines can impact muscle strength, bone density, and libido, potentially causing fatigue and weakness.

— Nina Shapiro, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
At a meeting earlier this month, the RMG Sustainability Council warned that structural weaknesses could put lives and property at risk if the building remained open.

— Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 17 July 2026

Definition of weakness

Noun

But at least Janet, for all of her faults, is working toward a resolution.

— Brian Moylan, Vulture, 16 July 2026
What else is going on Back-to-back earthquakes rocked the area north of Los Angeles near two of California’s most significant faults, sending shock waves across the region.

— Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026

Definition of fault

Noun

The big mic drop at the conclusion of the finale turns out that Paula is a stone-cold (if possibly accidental) killer after all, and that the shadowy Souter Group is going to make her pay for her sins.

— Erin Qualey, Vulture, 15 July 2026
Mary’s valley of sin was exalted and Simon’s mountain of pride was made low through the love of God.

— Eric Bashor, Christian Science Monitor, 13 July 2026

Definition of sin

Noun

This initiative aims to identify and voluntarily treat testosterone deficiencies, which naturally occur as levels decline after age 30.

— Nina Shapiro, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
Regarding testosterone supplementation specifically, the interest of some patients has at times outpaced our scientific and medical understanding of testosterone deficiency and its management.

— Alexander P. Cole, STAT, 18 July 2026

Definition of deficiency

Noun

Was Trump, reportedly livid over the Air Force One leak, concerned about the risk to security—or about the prospect of personal embarrassment due to the failings of a questionable gift that had cost taxpayers tens of millions of dollars to upgrade?

— Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 18 July 2026
His troubles, his failings are not of his own making but of a world that is out of joint.

— Book Marks, Literary Hub, 16 July 2026

Definition of failing

Browse Nearby Words

short-circuits

shortcoming

shortcomings

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

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

Copy Citation

Synonyms of shortcoming

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on shortcoming

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

stalwart

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes