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 Gonzales’ attorney, Michael Conger, said his client’s account of staffing issues heavily influenced a Jan. 13, 2023, report from state inspectors, which found, among other shortcomings, that the county’s two juvenile halls were dangerously short-staffed. Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2024 Despite its shortcomings, the new business advisory on Russia is a step in the right direction. Bennett Freeman, Fortune, 4 Mar. 2024 To dwell on JavaScript’s original shortcomings is to overlook the fact that any piece of software—and every programming language is, in essence, a suite of software—is amenable to revision and improvement. Sheon Han, WIRED, 4 Mar. 2024 This may explain why 45% are looking for digital solutions that can address their technological shortcomings. Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Years later, Canadian officials apologized for shortcomings in the investigations and possibly ignoring warnings from India of an impending attack by Sikh militants. Brian Murphy, Washington Post, 29 Feb. 2024 These shortcomings limit the material’s potential for reuse. Popular Science, 28 Feb. 2024 When my internal communications agency has fielded surveys and run focus groups with non-desk employees in industries including manufacturing, restaurants, retail, hospitality and healthcare, participants share an awareness of the cascade’s shortcomings. Elizabeth Baskin, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 However, its backers Lionsgate and Kingdom Story Company say the film was modestly budgeted, so that could soften box office shortcomings. Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 21 Feb. 2024

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 19 Mar. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!