shortcoming
noun
short·com·ing
ˈshȯrt-ˌkə-miŋ 
ˌshȯrt-ˈkə-
: an imperfection or lack that detracts from the whole
also
: the quality or state of being flawed or lacking
Examples of shortcoming in a Sentence
Her lack of attention to detail is her biggest shortcoming.
The main shortcoming of this camera is that it uses up batteries quickly.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Eagles’ edge rushers have been a shortcoming this season.
—
The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
Judge has the same flaw in postseason shortcomings, both individually as a team.
—Tim Crowley, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
By now, the Jolly Rancher had vanished, as had a round of the house’s elegant dirty Martini, whose shortcomings in grit were made up for in potency.
—Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2025
But mycelium—whether produced by MycoWorks or another startup—is not a drop-in replacement for cow or calf hides in production and has proven to have shortcomings as a leather alternative.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shortcoming
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The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
Judge has the same flaw in postseason shortcomings, both individually as a team.
—Tim Crowley, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
By now, the Jolly Rancher had vanished, as had a round of the house’s elegant dirty Martini, whose shortcomings in grit were made up for in potency.
—Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2025
But mycelium—whether produced by MycoWorks or another startup—is not a drop-in replacement for cow or calf hides in production and has proven to have shortcomings as a leather alternative.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shortcoming
Cite this Entry
“Shortcoming.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shortcoming. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
shortcoming
noun
short·com·ing
ˈshȯrt-ˌkəm-iŋ
(ˈ)shȯrt-ˈkəm-
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