as in weaknesses
a defect in character
a wife who never tires of listing her husband's perceived shortcomings
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Recent Examples of shortcomings
Duren has been aware of his shortcomings over the last two seasons.
—
Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 18 May 2026
Hutchins also was a known press critic who saw the media as an important means of education and lamented the media’s shortcomings.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 May 2026
However, the system had its shortcomings.
—David Szondy
may 17, New Atlas, 17 May 2026
None of these fairly typical first-film shortcomings, however, comes at much cost to the film’s relaxed, unexpectedly earnest charm.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 16 May 2026
Their father, Nahuel (Amién), flits from one romantic affair to another, failing to recognize his shortcomings the way fathers typically forget minor yet significant details, like mistaking his younger daughter’s shoe size or never delivering on his promise to have the sink fixed.
—Lé Baltar, IndieWire, 16 May 2026
The high end addresses those shortcomings, but at prices comparable to high-end bikes from specialized categories.
—ArsTechnica, 15 May 2026
My goal is to help my clients think like anthropologists and map patterns beyond isolated behaviors or personal shortcomings.
—Dr. Monika Sumra, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
The checklist included all her shortcomings, physical and otherwise.
—Erin Entrada Kelly, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 18 May 2026
Hutchins also was a known press critic who saw the media as an important means of education and lamented the media’s shortcomings.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 May 2026
However, the system had its shortcomings.
—David Szondy
may 17, New Atlas, 17 May 2026
None of these fairly typical first-film shortcomings, however, comes at much cost to the film’s relaxed, unexpectedly earnest charm.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 16 May 2026
Their father, Nahuel (Amién), flits from one romantic affair to another, failing to recognize his shortcomings the way fathers typically forget minor yet significant details, like mistaking his younger daughter’s shoe size or never delivering on his promise to have the sink fixed.
—Lé Baltar, IndieWire, 16 May 2026
The high end addresses those shortcomings, but at prices comparable to high-end bikes from specialized categories.
—ArsTechnica, 15 May 2026
My goal is to help my clients think like anthropologists and map patterns beyond isolated behaviors or personal shortcomings.
—Dr. Monika Sumra, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
The checklist included all her shortcomings, physical and otherwise.
—Erin Entrada Kelly, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shortcomings
Noun
-
The problem is having a setup around him that simultaneously platforms his strengths and covers for his weaknesses.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
-
What are your true emotional and mental weaknesses?—
Terry Terrones,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
The ongoing war in Iran could also seriously complicate cable repair attempts as maintenance vessels must remain stationary for extended periods while fixing faults, experts say.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
17 May 2026
-
The researchers also say the study highlights how fluids inside faults can strongly influence earthquake behavior, something scientists are increasingly recognizing as a key factor in seismic activity.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
Genius and grit can mask a lot of sins.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
18 May 2026
-
The Orson subplot feels like the show is shooting one too many fish in the barrel, because the sins of the grown-ups provide enough targets on their own.—
Scott Tobias,
Vulture,
17 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shortcomings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shortcomings. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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