SHORTCOMING Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

shortcoming

noun

ˈshȯrt-ˌkə-miŋ

Definition of shortcoming

as in weakness

a defect in character a wife who never tires of listing her husband's perceived shortcomings

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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 Republican lawmakers acknowledged shortcomings in their proposals to eliminate the income tax and raise the bar for amending the state Constitution. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026 But the story’s shortcomings rise to the surface in due course, especially when Elise (Lin Shaye) — the franchise’s most beloved character, now deceased — re-enters the picture as a ghost who helps people like Gemma find their way back home. — Tomris Laffly, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026 In the old days, there would be a congressional investigation into such shortcomings. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 18 Aug. 2026 This level is often what challenges character development, revealing shortcomings that were not present in less challenging contexts. — Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shortcoming

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shortcoming

Noun

Question Ford is not alone in exposing the offensive line weakness on the depth chart.

— Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
According to Briggs, work has become synonymous with busyness and resting is seen as a sign of weakness or something taken only as an extreme reward.

— John Hall, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of weakness

Noun

Detecting a developing problem early can therefore be important for keeping the wider system available and preventing a localized fault from becoming a larger operational issue.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026
The wire is intended to provide a safe path for electricity to travel to earth in the event of a fault or surge.

— Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of fault

Noun

Ultimately, underperformance often signals leadership deficiencies, including poor recruitment and inadequate team management, rather than external market forces.

— Bill Holmes, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Some experts have interpreted this update as focusing on optimizing health as opposed to ensuring adequate protein intake to avoid deficiency.

— Linda M. Boland, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of deficiency

Noun

That Chansiri squandered that vast backing can be listed among his abundant failings.

— Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Rather than treating a tired parent’s short fuse as a personal failing, the research suggests sleep, stress and parenting operate as part of a larger system.

— Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of failing

Browse Nearby Words

short-circuits

shortcoming

shortcomings

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“Shortcoming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shortcoming. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of shortcoming

noun

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