shortcoming

Definitions

From the phrase 'to come short (of)' — to fall just below a standard. A shortcoming is the place where someone or something 'comes up short,' i.e. a weakness or failing. Think of reaching for a mark and stopping a little below it.

Common Collocations

• 1.major shortcoming主要缺点
• 2.personal shortcoming个人缺点
• 3.overcome shortcomings克服缺点
• 4.acknowledge shortcomings承认不足

Example Sentences

• 1.

  Despite its shortcomings, the plan was the best we had.

• 2.

  He's honest enough to admit his own shortcomings.

• 3.

  The report highlights several shortcomings in the safety system.

Easily Confused

shortcoming vs flaw/fault — All three mean a weakness, but shortcoming is the gentlest and most formal: it frames the weakness as 'falling short of an ideal' rather than something wrong. A flaw suggests a defect that spoils the whole (a fatal flaw); a fault is the most blaming. Use shortcoming when you want to criticize politely.