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Shortcoming: meaning, definitions and examples

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shortcoming

 

[ ˈʃɔːtˌkʌmɪŋ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

inadequacy

A shortcoming is a fault or a failure to reach a certain standard. It is a deficiency or a weakness in someone or something.

Synonyms

deficiency, fault, flaw, weakness

Examples of usage

  • One of his major shortcomings is his lack of attention to detail.
  • The company's biggest shortcoming is their poor communication skills.
Context #2 | Noun

disadvantage

A shortcoming can also refer to a disadvantage or a limitation that hinders someone or something from achieving their full potential.

Synonyms

disadvantage, drawback, limitation, obstacle

Examples of usage

  • The team's lack of experience proved to be a significant shortcoming in the competition.
  • One major shortcoming of the software is its inability to handle large amounts of data.

Translations

Translations of the word "shortcoming" in other languages:

🇵🇹 deficiência

🇮🇳 कमज़ोरी

🇩🇪 Mangel

🇮🇩 kekurangan

🇺🇦 недолік

🇵🇱 niedociągnięcie

🇯🇵 欠点 (けってん)

🇫🇷 défaut

🇪🇸 deficiencia

🇹🇷 kusur

🇰🇷 결점 (gyeoljeom)

🇸🇦 نقص

🇨🇿 nedostatek

🇸🇰 nedostatok

🇨🇳 缺点 (quēdiǎn)

🇸🇮 pomanjkljivost

🇮🇸 galli

🇰🇿 кемшілік

🇬🇪 ნაკლი

🇦🇿 çatışmazlıq

🇲🇽 deficiencia

Etymology

The word 'shortcoming' originated in the early 17th century, combining 'short' and 'coming', suggesting 'a failure to reach'. It has been used to describe deficiencies and limitations ever since, highlighting areas where improvement is needed.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,600, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.