shortcoming — a fault or failure to meet a certain standard; typically in a person's character, performance, or system
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a fault or failure to meet a certain standard; typically in a person's character, performance, or system
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈʃɔːrtkʌmɪŋ/
Example Sentences
- His only shortcoming as a chef is that he burns everything he touches.
- The shortcomings of online learning became evident during the pandemic.
- Despite its shortcomings, the old car still runs like a dream... a nightmare dream.
shortcoming
NOUN[/ˈʃɔːrtkʌmɪŋ/]
a fault or failure to meet a certain standard; typically in a person's character, performance, or system
His greatest shortcoming was his inability to listen to others.
The bridge design had a shortcoming because it could not support heavy trucks. (SHORT + COMING UP = SHORTCOMING → something that comes up short)
By overcoming his shortcoming, he became a stronger person.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
A compound word formed from English elements 'short' and 'coming'. It originated in the 16th century, combining the adjective 'short' (meaning insufficient or inadequate) with the gerund 'coming' (meaning arrival or occurrence), literally referring to something that 'comes short' or falls short of expectations.
Breakdown
short (adjective: insufficient, inadequate) + coming (gerund: arrival, occurrence) = shortcoming (a failure to meet a standard or expectation)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“His only shortcoming as a chef is that he burns everything he touches.”
“The shortcomings of online learning became evident during the pandemic.”
“Despite its shortcomings, the old car still runs like a dream... a nightmare dream.”
“We need to acknowledge our shortcomings before we can improve.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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