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 Before the earthquakes, the government generally defended its national health system as robust, blaming shortcomings on sanctions imposed by the United States. — Max Saltman, CNN Money, 30 June 2026 Those shortcomings reflect to a great degree how little Miami’s business and political leadership has valued indigenous sites, Wheeler and archaeologists say. — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026 Nilson Angulo’s strike was excellent and Gonzalo Plata’s winner, which will live long in the Ecuadorian memory, ensured Germany’s shortcomings were punished. — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 July 2026 The German team opened the 2026 tournament with a 7–1 win over debutant Curaçao, but an unconvincing performance in a 2–1 victory over Côte d’Ivoire exposed the team’s shortcomings. — Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for shortcoming
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shortcoming
  1. weakness
  2. fault
  3. sin
  4. deficiency
  5. failing
Noun
  • Furthermore, companies tend to have an easier time outperforming consensus sales growth estimates during periods of US dollar weakness.
    — Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • This helps nourish and protect hair from external aggressors like UV damage and pollution, which can cause weakness and buildup.
    — Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 5 July 2026
Definition of weakness
Noun
  • Small accidents, although no fault of your own, may cause this.
    — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 30 June 2026
  • Through no fault of her own, Clark has become part of the culture war.
    — Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of fault
Noun
  • The angels, still in disguise as men, inform Lot that the city will be destroyed as punishment for its sins.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026
  • Solidaridad sin Fronteras has 58,000 health professionals among its members.
    — Sarah Moreno July 1, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
Definition of sin
Noun
  • The Lakers spent the first days of free agency addressing their shooting deficiencies.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • Interveinal chlorosis and yellowing in new leaves can indicate an iron deficiency.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
Definition of deficiency
Noun
  • Yet, for those failings, the Selecao found a way to come through on both occasions – mainly due to the in-game changes Ancelotti made.
    — Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • Such failings merits more analysis but there is surely some truth in left back Ali Abdi’s comments after a 4-0 filleting by Japan in their second game.
    — Carl Anka, New York Times, 29 June 2026
Definition of failing

Browse Nearby Words

short-circuits
shortcoming
shortcomings
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Cite this Entry

“Shortcoming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shortcoming. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of shortcoming for Spanish Speakers

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