shortcoming

[shawrt-kuhm-ing]

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

shortcoming

/ ˈʃɔːtˌkʌmɪŋ /

noun

1. a failing, defect, or deficiency

Word History and Origins

Origin of shortcoming¹

First recorded in 1670–80; short + coming

Example Sentences

One of the shortcomings of the move is that it posits that women have two diametrically opposed options.

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It isn’t our own shortcomings or poor performance that accounts for our failures.

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In a statement at the time, CFO David Egan said that there had been “some shortcomings of judgment” and that his actions fell short of standards expected of the company’s leaders.

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Go for a subtle reminder that long-term unemployment isn’t necessarily due to individual shortcomings.

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But half a dozen people in the Palestinian enclave reached by The Wall Street Journal all had a consistent message: Hamas should accept the U.S.-brokered deal, despite what they see as its shortcomings.

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Related Words

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