shortcomings

noun

plural of shortcoming
as in weaknesses
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 shortcomings Defense has long been his weakness, and a new position could limit his shortcomings without affecting his excellence at the plate. — Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 The club’s shortcomings were particularly evident in the Arsenal loss, as Mateo Kovačić and Nico O’Reilly were outclassed all afternoon. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 21 Aug. 2026 These structural shortcomings mean that Southeast Asian governments can’t be too ambitious in their AI strategies. — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026 Model limitations and shortcomings The simulator can rate the relative efficacy of public policies. — Stefan Chavez-Norgaard, The Conversation, 20 Aug. 2026 Republican lawmakers acknowledged shortcomings in their proposals to eliminate the income tax and raise the bar for amending the state Constitution. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026 But the story’s shortcomings rise to the surface in due course, especially when Elise (Lin Shaye) — the franchise’s most beloved character, now deceased — re-enters the picture as a ghost who helps people like Gemma find their way back home. — Tomris Laffly, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026 In the old days, there would be a congressional investigation into such shortcomings. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 18 Aug. 2026 This level is often what challenges character development, revealing shortcomings that were not present in less challenging contexts. — Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shortcomings
  1. weaknesses
  2. faults
  3. sins
Noun
  • While tech billionaires such as Elon Musk and Marc Andreessen may see empathy and introspection as weaknesses, those traits are the beating heart of literature and art, the wellspring of creativity and human connection.
    — Billy J. Stratton, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026
  • City looked anemic in their Community Shield warmup last weekend, going down in defeat 3-0 against Arsenal in a blowout that exposed a few weaknesses in Maresca’s midfield.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of weaknesses
Noun
  • Bypassing Fischer-Tropsch reactions Once generated, the hydrogen moved rapidly toward the surface along regional faults.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Deadly fires, often linked to electrical faults or gas cylinder explosions, are common in India where investigators have frequently pointed to safety lapses and inadequate enforcement of fire regulations as contributing to recurring loss of life.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of faults
Noun
  • Fans of improv, musicals and audience participation will thoroughly enjoy this performance and should be prepared to repent for sins like eating a hamburger, owning too many snakes or yearning for a younger man.
    — Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Seven of our contributors gamely shared (some of) their secret sins.
    — Sabrina Jaszi, The Dial, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of sins

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shortcoming
shortcomings
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Cite this Entry

“Shortcomings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shortcomings. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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