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 On April 11, reviews in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Verge blasted the Ai Pin’s shortcomings. Erin Griffith, New York Times, 6 June 2024 The team’s recent 16-game lull illustrated the consequences such shortcomings can create. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2024 City staff, wary of Knight’s shortcomings, had in the past agreed to lower the proportion of pick-ups set aside for minority businesses, allowing Waste Management’s fleet to pick up some of the slack. Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2024 Since that 40-page report became public seven years ago, city officials, Under Armour executives and grassroots organization directors have tried to address the city’s shortcomings in youth sports participation. Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 13 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 16 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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