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

Synonyms

• demerit
• dereliction
• failing
• fault
• foible
• frailty
• sin
• vice
• want
• weakness

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

Investors claimed they were harmed when the truth about Tesla’s shortcomings came to light and its stock price fell, according to the complaint, which alleged that Musk sold $39 billion in stock before then. —Andy Kalmowitz, Quartz, 1 Oct. 2024

Yet for all its shortcomings, Megalopolis is unabashedly openhearted, delivering an earnest plea to envision a better future. —Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 27 Sep. 2024

This paradoxical mixture of anxiety over the power of AI and frustration with its shortcomings was a dominant theme of the event. —Meg Little Reilly, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024

The song isn’t particularly memorable, but Karol G’s crowd interaction, effervescence and dancers masked its shortcomings. —Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 12 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

shortcoming

noun

short·​com·​ing ˈshȯrt-ˌkəm-iŋ 

(ˈ)shȯrt-ˈkəm-

: fault entry 1 sense 1b