shortcoming

American  

[shawrt-kuhm-ing] / ˈʃɔrtˌkʌm ɪŋ /

noun

1. a failure, defect, or deficiency in conduct, condition, thought, ability, etc..

   a social shortcoming; a shortcoming of his philosophy.

   Synonyms:

   weakness, failing, flaw, fault

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shortcoming British  

/ ˈʃɔːtˌkʌmɪŋ /

noun

1. a failing, defect, or deficiency

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Etymology

Origin of shortcoming

First recorded in 1670–80; short + coming

Explanation

The flaw in something is its shortcoming — your car's only shortcoming might be its lack of a sunroof, for example. Use the noun shortcoming when you talk about the way something — or someone — comes up short. Your boss's shortcoming could be her high expectations, and your job's shortcomings might be having to deal with your boss and not earning much money. The root of shortcoming is the phrase "to come short," which was used starting in the 1600's to mean "to be inadequate."

Related Words

• defect
• deficiency
• drawback
• failing
• fault
• flaw
• frailty
• imperfection
• lack
• lapse
• sin
• weakness