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.
To make up for the shortcomings of the I.C.C. and the ad-hoc tribunals, lawyers in Europe and elsewhere have increasingly turned to a legal principle known as universal jurisdiction, which empowers national courts to prosecute offenders in a more bottom-up and decentralized way. Annie Hylton, The New Yorker, 11 Jan. 2025 However, the shortcomings of Schoen have come with the roster’s development. Tyler Small, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025 And those three or four starters make a big difference on a team with myriad shortcomings. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2025 Clearly, the offense was functioning, so there's nobody else to blame for the shortcomings other than the defense, which allowed the seventh-most points in football this season. Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near shortcoming

Cite this Entry

“Shortcoming.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shortcoming. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

shortcoming

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

More from Merriam-Webster on shortcoming

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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