shortcoming

[ shawrt-kuhm-ing ]

noun

1. a failure, defect, or deficiency in conduct, condition, thought, ability, etc.:

   a social shortcoming; a shortcoming of his philosophy.

   Synonyms: weakness, failing, flaw, fault

shortcoming

/ ˈʃɔːtˌkʌmɪŋ /

noun

1. a failing, defect, or deficiency

Word History and Origins

Origin of shortcoming¹

First recorded in 1670–80; short + coming

Example Sentences

The worst shortcoming of the CRFB’s analysis is that it’s hopelessly narrow.

From Los Angeles Times

For all the positive play, Rangers' most glaring shortcoming in Malmo was their lack of ruthless edge, something which haunted them last season too.

From BBC

The aesthetics were not Nixon's only shortcoming on debate night.

From Salon

Ann Watt, director of the think tank Pivotal issued a report this week which, while recognising some progress had been made, said the failure to agree a programme for government was "a big shortcoming".

From BBC

That, I think, is the major shortcoming of “Alien: Romulus”; there is little in the way of an emotional hook and no sign of an intellectual one.

From Salon

Related Words

• defect
• deficiency
• drawback
• failing
• fault
• flaw
• frailty
• imperfection
• lack
• lapse
• sin
• weakness