shortcoming
B2neutral
Definition
Meaning
A fault or defect in a person, system, or thing; a failure to reach a required standard.
Any characteristic or condition that is perceived as inadequate, insufficient, or below expectations, often implying a negative evaluation or comparison with an ideal.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A countable noun typically used in the plural. Implies a judgment against a standard, expectation, or requirement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning, spelling, or usage.
Connotations
Equally neutral in both dialects, though slightly more formal in British English.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English, but common in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
shortcoming in [something]shortcoming of [someone/something]shortcoming with [something]shortcoming regarding [something]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “overcome one's shortcomings”
- “make up for one's shortcomings”
- “look past someone's shortcomings”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The audit revealed critical shortcomings in our compliance procedures.
Academic
The study's methodological shortcomings limit the generalisability of its findings.
Everyday
His tendency to interrupt people is his main shortcoming.
Technical
The engine's design has a significant shortcoming: it overheats under prolonged load.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- One shortcoming of my phone is its poor battery life.
- Being impatient is a common shortcoming.
- The hotel's only real shortcoming was the slow Wi-Fi.
- She is aware of her own shortcomings and is working on them.
- The report identified several major shortcomings in the education system.
- Despite its shortcomings, the novel remains a compelling read.
- The treaty's principal shortcoming lies in its lack of enforceable sanctions.
- Critics were quick to point out the theoretical shortcomings of the proposed model.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone who is SHORT and trying to COME to the finish line but falls short—a SHORTCOMING is a failing that prevents reaching a goal.
Conceptual Metaphor
STANDARDS ARE TARGETS / PERFECTION IS COMPLETENESS (A shortcoming is a failure to hit the target or a missing piece of a whole.)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'недостача' (shortage, lack of quantity). 'Shortcoming' is about quality or performance, not quantity.
- Avoid using 'недостаток' in the sense of 'lack of something' (e.g., lack of time). 'Shortcoming' is a fault, not just an absence.
Common Mistakes
- Using as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'much shortcoming' instead of 'many shortcomings').
- Confusing with 'shortage' (e.g., 'a shortcoming of water' is incorrect).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the meaning of 'shortcoming'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is negative, as it denotes a fault, deficiency, or failure to meet a standard.
Yes, it can describe faults in people, systems, plans, objects, or ideas.
A 'shortcoming' is an inherent fault or deficiency. A 'disadvantage' is an unfavorable circumstance or condition that hinders success; it may not be a fault.
It is neutral in register, appropriate for both formal writing and everyday conversation.