shortcoming

noun

ˈshȯrt-ˌkə-miŋ How to pronounce shortcoming (audio)
Definition of shortcomingnext
as in weakness
a defect in character a wife who never tires of listing her husband's perceived shortcomings

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Most mid- and senior-level professionals treat these as private shortcomings to manage quietly on their own time. — Chandran Fernando, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 Recognizing this shortcoming of the technology, companies like Morpho aim to provide an approachable alternative. — Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 20 July 2026 Not all nominees suffer from the shortcomings of Barclay and Eaddy. — Nik Hunder, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026 Temilola Adeoye, a comedian, writer and content creator in New York City,attributes this behavior to shortcomings in intellect and literacy — or to a desire to have one’s intellect validated by others. — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for shortcoming
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shortcoming
  1. weakness
  2. fault
  3. sin
  4. deficiency
  5. failing
Noun
  • Unlike standard hearing and vision tests, these assessments examine how the brain interprets what the child hears and sees and may help identify underlying weaknesses contributing to behaviors associated with ADHD or autism.
    — Jillian Pretzel, Parents, 25 July 2026
  • Symptoms can include arm or leg pain, numbness, weakness and tingling, and Mayo Clinic advises calling a doctor if pain in the neck or back spreads to an arm or leg.
    — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 25 July 2026
Definition of weakness
Noun
  • In other words, anything that happened to the president would be Israel’s fault.
    — James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026
  • Shanahan spoke with reporters Tuesday and clarified that the collision was his fault.
    — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2026
Definition of fault
Noun
  • In the film, however, Odysseus’s falsehoods have dire consequences, an apparent reflection of the biblical assertion that false witness is a sin.
    — Luis Parrales, The Atlantic, 26 July 2026
  • Drawing from Baldwin’s own experiences, the novel explores a young man’s spiritual and personal awakening while examining the lasting impact of history, sin, and love.
    — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 24 July 2026
Definition of sin
Noun
  • Severe deficiency is uncommon, but nutrition experts say chronically low intake can signal a dietary gap worth addressing.
    — Lauren Manaker MS, Health, 31 July 2026
  • Mertens regularly monitors Tunsil’s electrolytes and checks for nutrient deficiencies through bloodwork and DEXA scans that measure his body mass and bone density.
    — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of deficiency
Noun
  • To compound the film’s failings at the box office, The Death of Robin Hood couldn’t generate much momentum from reviews or audience reactions.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Trump personally sued the Times last year for $15 billion over its coverage of his past business failings.
    — David Folkenflik, NPR, 23 July 2026
Definition of failing

Browse Nearby Words

short-circuits
shortcoming
shortcomings
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shortcoming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shortcoming. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of shortcoming for Spanish Speakers

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