Shortcoming Meaning
/ˈʃɔːtˌkʌmɪŋ/Definition, CEFR level C2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA deficiency or falling short; failure to attain a goal or ideal.
Sentence Examples
It is difficult to overcome this shortcoming without drastically changing the whole system.
The greatest shortcoming of the human race is our inability to understand the exponential function.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The team's main ____ was its inability to communicate well with the clients.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
One major ____ of the new software is that it occasionally crashes when processing very large files.
Word Origin & History
From short + coming.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"They were behind twice, first to James Morrison's 11th-minute strike and then Kenny Miller's effort early in the second half. England responded with goals of their own from Theo Walcott and Daniel Welbeck and, on the balance of play, probably deserved the victory. On the flip-side, they could conceivably have lost because of their various shortcomings in defence. They also have a goalkeeper, Joe Hart, who is a danger to his own team on nights like these."
— 14 August 2013, Daniel Taylor, “Rickie Lambert's debut goal gives England victory over Scotland”, in The Guardian:
"In truth, I suspect it will take more than the first term of a Labour government to address the shortcomings of the railway system in the North."
— 2023 March 8, Christian Wolmar, “Labour passes up the chance to deliver a forceful rail policy”, in RAIL, page 34:
Explore More C2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The team's main ____ was its inability to communicate well with the clients.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
One major ____ of the new software is that it occasionally crashes when processing very large files.