noun

shortcoming

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Shortcoming (noun) means a fault or weakness in someone or something that stops them being as good as they should be. Example: “The report lists the shortcomings of the current booking system.”

noun

A fault or weakness in someone or something that stops them being as good as they should be.

"The report lists the shortcomings of the current booking system."

"He is honest about his own shortcomings as a manager."

How to use shortcoming

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething a person or thing is not good enough at.

When to use it

Neutral and slightly formal. Common in reviews, appraisals and reports. Usually plural.

Memory tip

A shortcoming is a quality; a shortfall is a quantity. Use shortcoming for a weakness, shortfall for a missing amount.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

failing → fault → shortfall →

Common pairings

serious shortcoming despite its shortcomings address the shortcomings own shortcomings

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The report lists the _____ of the current booking system.

Etymology

From the phrase to come short, meaning to fall short of a standard.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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failing weakness flaw defect limitation drawback

Antonyms

strength merit virtue

Related words

might power force strong energy value quality pro

Rhymes for shortcoming

coming homing Wyoming zooming booming blooming grooming upcoming oncoming becoming incoming welcoming

See all rhymes for shortcoming →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a shortcoming and a shortfall?

A shortcoming is a defect in ability or quality, such as poor communication. A shortfall is a numerical gap, such as being £4,000 short of a target. They are not interchangeable.

Is shortcoming a polite word?

Fairly. It is softer and more formal than fault or failure, which is why it is standard in appraisals and official reports where you want to criticise without sounding harsh.

What is the meaning of shortcoming?

"shortcoming" (noun) means a fault or weakness in someone or something that stops them being as good as they should be.

What is another word for shortcoming?

Other words for "shortcoming" include failing, weakness, flaw, defect, limitation, drawback.

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