as in weakness
a defect in character
a wife who never tires of listing her husband's perceived shortcomings
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Recent Examples of shortcoming
One of the most common explanations for this (and for the University City restaurant scene’s shortcomings in general) has to do with how dining districts tend to develop in the first place.
—
Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 2026
Those ideals inspired what was written into the Constitution, and the very idea that our Constitution must be amended and our nation improved by future generations who could redeem their shortcomings and address their imperfections through collective struggle and the democratic process.
—CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
Greifinger, the correctional health expert, said the sheriff’s office should commission an independent mortality review to study whether any jail operations, staffing or other shortcomings are exacerbating external factors and resulting in preventable deaths.
—Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026
Acknowledging these shortcomings, FedRAMP began to take a harder look at new packages, a former reviewer said.
—Renee Dudley, ProPublica, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shortcoming
Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 2026
Those ideals inspired what was written into the Constitution, and the very idea that our Constitution must be amended and our nation improved by future generations who could redeem their shortcomings and address their imperfections through collective struggle and the democratic process.
—CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
Greifinger, the correctional health expert, said the sheriff’s office should commission an independent mortality review to study whether any jail operations, staffing or other shortcomings are exacerbating external factors and resulting in preventable deaths.
—Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026
Acknowledging these shortcomings, FedRAMP began to take a harder look at new packages, a former reviewer said.
—Renee Dudley, ProPublica, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shortcoming
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shortcoming
Noun
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If not treated early, the infection can progress to more serious symptoms, such as joint swelling and arthritis, nerve pain, tingling or numbness, facial muscle weakness, heart inflammation and difficulties with memory or concentration.—
Emily Bache,
The Conversation,
31 Mar. 2026
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To play for Hurley is to understand that taking a play off is not acceptable, that bending over and tugging at your short hems – a sure sign, in Hurley’s estimation, of weakness – will earn you either a death stare or a run up the steps.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The chain’s coordinator, Melissa Soriano, blamed poor reviews on overly critical inspectors looking to find fault.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
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Metra did not admit fault as part of the settlement agreements, Metra spokesperson Michael Gillis said.—
Talia Soglin,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The bible writes that Jesus carried the cross to Calvary, where he was crucified and died for the forgiveness of sins.—
Elijah Westbrook,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
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His resurrection signifies victory over sin, death and despair.—
Chris Roemer,
Baltimore Sun,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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This phase is designed to address deficiencies identified during initial operations, complete technical refinements, and implement maintenance or system adjustments before the platform transitions into a regular deployment cycle.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Apr. 2026
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At Pebble Creek at Lake Mary, 85 apartment units were condemned due to life-threatening deficiencies, and at the Rialto Apartments near Sand Lake Road, nearly 400 residents were evacuated due to structural instability.—
Keegan A. Berry,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Nicole Tallman’s job as a senior staffer under Miami-Dade County’s mayor puts her on the frontlines of county government’s many failings, mishaps and challenges.—
Douglas Hanks
April 1,
Miami Herald,
1 Apr. 2026
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Before 1956, addiction to drugs and alcohol were considered failings in morality or personal will.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shortcoming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shortcoming. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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