shortcoming

noun

ˈshȯrt-ˌkə-miŋ How to pronounce shortcoming (audio)
Definition of shortcomingnext
as in weakness
a defect in character a wife who never tires of listing her husband's perceived shortcomings

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of shortcoming Comptroller Michael Belsky said the shortcoming was not tied to recent credit downgrades. — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2026 But like the games against North Carolina and Central Florida, the Horned Frogs couldn’t overcome their own shortcomings, especially offensively. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Oct. 2026 Democrats responded to the news by accusing Republicans of using vast amounts of cash to mask their shortcomings. — Jill Colvin, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026 In at least one instance, all of Ray Gunn‘s biggest shortcomings converge in the most leadenly predictable of ways. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shortcoming
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shortcoming
  1. weakness
  2. fault
  3. sin
  4. deficiency
  5. failing
Noun
  • Every monster has unique strengths and weaknesses, and each demands a different response.
    — Jeff DeGraff, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
  • As rules and institutions constrain less and brute power matters more, countries will seek partners to help them blunt sanctions, access critical technologies, compensate for military weaknesses, expand their room for maneuver, and resist isolation.
    — Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Foreign Affairs, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of weakness
Noun
  • The court ruled in favor of summary judgment for OpenAI and found Walters had not established fault and damages.
    — Kaitlin Newkirk, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The military attributed the crash of a PAC MFI-17 Mushshak plane near the town of Nawan Killi in Balochistan province to a technical fault.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of fault
Noun
  • Catholic teaching still calls suicide a grave sin, but recognizes mental illness can diminish responsibility; advocates want mental health ministries in parishes worldwide.
    — Luis Andres Henao, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
  • If the sin of Mars’ album was being too predictable, Styles’ bold and unexpected Kiss All the Time.
    — Alan Light, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of sin
Noun
  • While it was designed to bring nationwide uniformity and stability to college athletics, its deficiencies are manifold.
    — Bruce Svare, Sportico.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Commissioner John King's office previously said the March inspection found no violations, deficiencies or red tags.
    — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of deficiency
Noun
  • In the documentation, the company is candid about its failings.
    — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The Army report highlighted how the air traffic controller at Reagan National Airport could have prevented the crash, but also acknowledged the military’s own failings and other contributing factors.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of failing

Browse Nearby Words

short-circuits
shortcoming
shortcomings
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shortcoming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shortcoming. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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