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 An independent review board identified three major problems with the Starliner, along with a host of less severe shortcomings that had to be addressed. — William Harwood, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026 The mistakes and shortcomings on both sides of the ball — as detailed in our coverage from last week’s game — aren’t symptoms that are usually fixed in a week’s time. — Pj Green september 28, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2026 To make up for its lens shortcomings, compared to more expensive and larger models, the Mini takes a lot of images in the one position. — New Atlas, 27 Sep. 2026 But where Hwan’s Christianity is a willful, grotesque misreading of the Bible, Latif actively wrestles with his moral shortcomings. — Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shortcoming

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shortcoming

Noun

On iPhone, Apple says the Passwords app automatically identifies common weaknesses, including passwords that are easy to guess or used multiple times.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Slowik, who was part of Miami’s offensive staff last season while working for McDaniel, is aware of what Wright and Gordon bring to the team, their strengths and weaknesses, and intends to cater the offense to those.

— Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of weakness

Noun

The president, who generally resists admitting fault, has recently made several reversals responding to ethical concerns.

— Isaac Arnsdorf, Washington Post, 7 Oct. 2026
The financial institution did not admit to the allegations, with the settlement reflecting a compromise without any admission of liability, fault, or wrongdoing.

— Chase Jordan October 6, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of fault

Noun

Now Trump’s folks are rounding up and deporting people who were jailed in their home country for the sin of defending democracy.

— Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
De Biase explained how a snake is associated with Eve and the story of sin in the Bible — but the shoe reframes the connotation of the snake.

— Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of sin

Noun

Silver found that prisoners remained exposed to grave threats of harm and suffering because of systematic deficiencies in their healthcare.

— Jacques Billeaud, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
After many picked the Rays to finish last in the AL East, Cash maximized the talent on his team and found ways to win, even with some clear roster deficiencies.

— Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of deficiency

Noun

These reported failings include understaffing, undertrained employees, and failure to listen to parental concerns, the BBC reported at the time.

— Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2026
Sussman is inclined to see such preferences as further evidence of capitalism’s moral failings.

— Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of shortcoming

noun

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