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 Despite herculean efforts by many individual nursing care professionals, systemic shortcomings in the nursing home industry and government oversight of it left residents extremely vulnerable to morbidity and mortality. Julie K. Taitsman and Nancy Harrison, STAT, 24 May 2024 And getting older is no shortcoming for the icon, who is balancing mom and model life with being a boss at her ice cream company, SMiZE & Dream. Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 17 May 2024 Here, Leonard brings that scrutiny upon himself, exposing his shortcomings in a way that, should Malcolm’s movie ever come out, would surely undermine his reputation, to which Schrader asks: Is the role of art to be respectable? Peter Debruge, Variety, 17 May 2024 The company’s emails advertising the new app didn’t mention any of these shortcomings. Chris Welch, The Verge, 14 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for shortcoming 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shortcoming.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 5 Jun. 2024.

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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