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 shortcomings of "Dune: Prophecy" are akin to the obstacles typical of most Herbert adaptations — sprawl is the mind-killer, not fear.

From Salon

He went on to urge Martin-Smith to take accountability and to "admit your shortcomings".

From BBC

They kept going, kept trying to overcome their own shortcomings.

From BBC

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has accepted there were "a number of shortcomings" in the early stages of the police investigation and has met Ms Simpson’s family to apologise.

From BBC

Speaking in the Dáil on 15 October, Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald that the case has highlighted "issues and shortcomings" in the party's internal procedures.

From BBC

Related Words

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