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

New York Democrats have already discovered this, watching a clutch of sleepy, lazy or otherwise unsuitable primary candidates fail to capitalize on Mr. Mamdani’s many obvious shortcomings to knock him out of the race.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Mr Hill's report identified a series of shortcomings in her surgery and proposed steps to address them.

Read more on BBC

In its ruling, it noted initial "shortcomings" in the environmental impact assessment decision-making process, but said they were remedied within enough time not to affect that right.

Read more on Barron's

While not without shortcomings, the blend of political representation and economic incentives has produced a resilient and adaptive system.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The current relationship is flawed and should be modified to strengthen the island’s economic development and cure its democratic shortcomings.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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