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 These structural shortcomings mean that Southeast Asian governments can’t be too ambitious in their AI strategies. — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026 Model limitations and shortcomings The simulator can rate the relative efficacy of public policies. — Stefan Chavez-Norgaard, The Conversation, 20 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for shortcoming

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shortcoming

Noun

Researchers point out that this ability could make maritime simulations more realistic while helping identify weaknesses in operational plans.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
Summary Several investor rights firms are threatening class actions against into Suja Life after its stock plummeted following disappointing Q2 earnings and reduced guidance, attributed to grocery channel weakness.

— Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 29 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

Modern interpreters have read his 10 heads as signifying his vast knowledge of 10 sacred texts, or alternately his 10 ethical failings, but the Ramayana account describes him as 10-headed from birth.

— Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
The instinct for many researchers is to treat uncertainty as a failing, something to paper over before anyone notices.

— Aleeza Gerstein, The Conversation, 28 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of shortcoming

noun

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