1 shortcoming | Definition of shortcoming

shortcoming

noun
short·​com·​ing | \ ˈshȯrt-ˌkə-miŋ How to pronounce shortcoming (audio) , ˌshȯrt-ˈkə-\

Definition of shortcoming

: an imperfection or lack that detracts from the whole also : the quality or state of being flawed or lacking

Keep scrolling for more

Synonyms & Antonyms for shortcoming

Synonyms

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

Antonyms

merit, virtue

Visit the Thesaurus for More 

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

To fill their red zone shortcomings and Green’s void, expect the Bengals to look Tyler Eifert or Tyler Boyd’s way in the red zone. — Cam Inman, The Mercury News, "Behind enemy lines, 49ers vs. Bengals: Five questions with opposing beat writer," 12 Sep. 2019 And his was the first of many to point out the blocking shortcomings. — Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan State football mailbag: Fans air grievances about hapless offense," 7 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'shortcoming.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of shortcoming

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for shortcoming

shortcoming

noun

English Language Learners Definition of shortcoming

: a weakness in someone's character : a personal fault or failing
: a bad feature : a flaw or defect in something

shortcoming

noun
short·​com·​ing | \ ˈshȯrt-ˌkə-miŋ How to pronounce shortcoming (audio) \

Kids Definition of shortcoming

: fault sense 1 … her most serious shortcoming seemed to be a tendency to fall into daydreams in the middle of a task …— Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

Keep scrolling for more

×

You're never
too cool to learn something new.

Sign up for our Word of the Day
daily newsletter!