shortcoming

American  

[shawrt-kuhm-ing] / ˈʃɔrtˌkʌm ɪŋ /

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 British  

/ ˈʃɔːtˌkʌmɪŋ /

noun

1. a failing, defect, or deficiency

---

Etymology

Origin of shortcoming

First recorded in 1670–80; short + coming

Example Sentences

Gattuso admitted the team's shortcomings: "When you have chances and don't take them, football punishes you."

From BBC

Ayewa doesn’t spend her energy dwelling on the shortcomings of the past or present, but instead insists that we all take action and work toward a better future.

From Los Angeles Times

Was this yet another shortcoming to feel guilty about, not loving himself enough?

From Literature

Mr. Fryer helpfully identifies several shortcomings of many regulatory efforts.

From The Wall Street Journal

Elysium Healthcare, which runs the unit, apologised to the patients' families for the shortcomings in care.

From BBC

Related Words

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