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
Duren has been aware of his shortcomings over the last two seasons.
—
Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 18 May 2026
Hutchins also was a known press critic who saw the media as an important means of education and lamented the media’s shortcomings.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 May 2026
However, the system had its shortcomings.
—David Szondy
may 17, New Atlas, 17 May 2026
None of these fairly typical first-film shortcomings, however, comes at much cost to the film’s relaxed, unexpectedly earnest charm.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for shortcoming
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Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 18 May 2026
Hutchins also was a known press critic who saw the media as an important means of education and lamented the media’s shortcomings.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 May 2026
However, the system had its shortcomings.
—David Szondy
may 17, New Atlas, 17 May 2026
None of these fairly typical first-film shortcomings, however, comes at much cost to the film’s relaxed, unexpectedly earnest charm.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 16 May 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 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
shortcoming
noun
short·com·ing
ˈshȯrt-ˌkəm-iŋ
(ˈ)shȯrt-ˈkəm-
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