shortcoming

noun

short·​com·​ing ˈshȯrt-ˌkə-miŋ How to pronounce shortcoming (audio)
ˌshȯrt-ˈkə-
: an imperfection or lack that detracts from the whole
also : the quality or state of being flawed or lacking

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Another shortcoming is the 16e’s frugal amount of internal storage: 128GB at the starting price. Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 13 Mar. 2025 My own journey underscores these systemic shortcomings. Martin Mulyadi, Baltimore Sun, 12 Mar. 2025 Dark Empaths can grasp the subtleties of human behavior and use that insight to conceal their shortcomings behind a brash level of confidence. Dan Pontefract, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 Both these films, whatever their shortcomings, are driven by a heartfelt desire to see smaller stories on the big screen. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shortcoming

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shortcoming was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Shortcoming.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shortcoming. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

shortcoming

noun
short·​com·​ing ˈshȯrt-ˌkəm-iŋ How to pronounce shortcoming (audio)
(ˈ)shȯrt-ˈkəm-

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