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
Like countless generations before them, today’s young adults are subject to what feels like a constant barrage of headlines bemoaning their generational shortcomings.
—
Abby Monteil, Them., 3 Oct. 2025
General manager Brian Cashman tepidly acknowledged the those shortcomings a few days later, but his actions spoke louder than words.
—Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Public transport in the 1920s As a longtime Philadelphian who lived in Center City, Miriam Axelrod was familiar with the strengths and shortcomings of public transportation.
—Menika Dirkson, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
Baltimore’s special teams have been fine except for shoddy kick coverage and execution, but the unit certainly hasn’t been strong enough to make up for any of the team’s other shortcomings or been the difference in them winning a close game.
—Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
In a 2019 post celebrating his third wedding anniversary with Miles, Minoso poked fun at his character’s romantic shortcomings.
—Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
And again, a lot of shortcomings came to the fore Sunday.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2025
The Trojans have started unbeaten behind a well-rounded offense and solid defense that continues to deliver despite shortcomings in the secondary.
—Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 26 Sep. 2025
Advertisement The contrast was on display in the session’s opening moments, when Annalena Baerbock, the General Assembly’s president, urged delegates not to give in to despair about the institution’s shortcomings.
—Nik Popli, Time, 23 Sep. 2025
Abby Monteil, Them., 3 Oct. 2025
General manager Brian Cashman tepidly acknowledged the those shortcomings a few days later, but his actions spoke louder than words.
—Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Public transport in the 1920s As a longtime Philadelphian who lived in Center City, Miriam Axelrod was familiar with the strengths and shortcomings of public transportation.
—Menika Dirkson, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
Baltimore’s special teams have been fine except for shoddy kick coverage and execution, but the unit certainly hasn’t been strong enough to make up for any of the team’s other shortcomings or been the difference in them winning a close game.
—Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
In a 2019 post celebrating his third wedding anniversary with Miles, Minoso poked fun at his character’s romantic shortcomings.
—Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
And again, a lot of shortcomings came to the fore Sunday.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2025
The Trojans have started unbeaten behind a well-rounded offense and solid defense that continues to deliver despite shortcomings in the secondary.
—Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 26 Sep. 2025
Advertisement The contrast was on display in the session’s opening moments, when Annalena Baerbock, the General Assembly’s president, urged delegates not to give in to despair about the institution’s shortcomings.
—Nik Popli, Time, 23 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shortcomings
Noun
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Though the Red Sox did shoot themselves in the foot with base-running, fielding and bunting failures in Game 2, thus costing them their shot at reaching the ALDS, Game 3 was a bit more representative of the Red Sox and their weaknesses.—
Michael Hurley,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
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The bottom line The Golden Knights have star power at the top of their roster and very few weaknesses throughout the rest of it.—
The Athletic NHL,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Here are five faults to avoid to keep your pet in everyone’s good graces.—
Libby Monteith Minor,
Southern Living,
4 Oct. 2025
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These voltage changes are known as transient faults and are the difference in measured voltage between consecutive readings.—
Chiara Eisner,
NPR,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Jews are immersed in the spirituality of the holiday and proclaim their faith in God to accept their repentance, forgive their sins and seal their fate for a year of life, health and happiness.—
Krys'tal Griffin,
Freep.com,
2 Oct. 2025
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Cats' sins against humanity have been well-documented, from Rebel Wilson unzipping her fur to cockroaches with human faces.—
Janey Tracey,
Entertainment Weekly,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shortcomings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shortcomings. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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