Definition

A weakness or fault in something that makes it less effective or valuable.

Example

One shortcoming of the plan is that it does not consider the budget constraints.

Conversation

I think everyone has some kind of shortcoming in their skills.

That's true, it's normal to not be perfect at everything.

Yeah, sometimes I feel like my biggest shortcoming is public speaking.

Same here! But we can always work on it together.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Shortcoming → It is formed from "short" (from Old English *sceort*, meaning not long or lacking in length) and "coming" (from the verb "come", meaning to arrive or to be present). The word "shortcoming" refers to a deficiency or a failure to meet a standard, implying something that is lacking or not fully present.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'not long' ('short') and 'arriving' ('coming') — a shortcoming is a lack of something that should be there.

Visually Confused Words