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 Based on those numbers, critics generally approved of the season's direction more than the audience did, yet prominent progressive reviewers still found new ideological shortcomings to condemn. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026 Such a file contains objective personnel data as well as observable assessments of a cadre’s political shortcomings. — Andrew Mertha, Foreign Affairs, 17 Sep. 2026 For many, the reality of their data shortcomings arrives too late. — Alex Saric, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026 Jac needs to work on these challenges and shortcomings with his sponsor. — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shortcoming

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shortcoming

Noun

But ironically, this crowd-pleaser’s chief weakness is its approach to the dancing.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
Another source of industrial’s underperformance is recent weakness in defense stocks, a core group influencing the sector’s strength, according to DataTrek.

— Paulina Likos, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of weakness

Noun

The coach’s administrative leave The placement of Powers on administrative leave removes him from his coaching duties and effectively separates him from the university without a finding of fault—yet.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 30 Sep. 2026
The Bulqizë reservoir in Albania formed along a massive fault zone.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of fault

Noun

While some newly prominent groups (such as those who later became known as Quakers) emphasized love, fellowship and justice, some members of other sects (like the Presbyterians) created new fears, new sins, new tests and new punishments.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
While Ferns prop Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu was in the sin-bin for head contact that forced off Marlie Packer, England bulldozed New Zealand's seven-women scrum for Breach to score her 58th try.

— ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of sin

Noun

These reported failings include understaffing, undertrained employees, and failure to listen to parental concerns, the BBC reported at the time.

— Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2026
Sussman is inclined to see such preferences as further evidence of capitalism’s moral failings.

— Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 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 2 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of shortcoming

noun

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