shortcoming
noun
short·com·ing
ˈshȯrt-ˌkə-miŋ 
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
Ultimately, Richardson would acknowledge the film’s shortcomings in his book.
—
Alexander Nazaryan, New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2026
Veterans have often been some of the harshest (and most clear-eyed) analysts of the military’s shortcomings.
—Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2026
Super’s plan to turn the company around seeks to address long-standing shortcomings and identifies some more ambitious opportunities.
—Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 7 Feb. 2026
The stock rout is a sign of the tense fears over AI automation’s potential to disrupt entire industries and especially those focused on knowledge work — despite the tech’s still considerable shortcomings.
—Frank Landymore, Futurism, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shortcoming
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Alexander Nazaryan, New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2026
Veterans have often been some of the harshest (and most clear-eyed) analysts of the military’s shortcomings.
—Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2026
Super’s plan to turn the company around seeks to address long-standing shortcomings and identifies some more ambitious opportunities.
—Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 7 Feb. 2026
The stock rout is a sign of the tense fears over AI automation’s potential to disrupt entire industries and especially those focused on knowledge work — despite the tech’s still considerable shortcomings.
—Frank Landymore, Futurism, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shortcoming
Cite this Entry
“Shortcoming.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shortcoming. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
shortcoming
noun
short·com·ing
ˈshȯrt-ˌkəm-iŋ
(ˈ)shȯrt-ˈkəm-
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