a big shortcoming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big shortcoming" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant flaw or deficiency in something, such as a plan, product, or argument. Example: "The report had a big shortcoming in its analysis of the data, leading to misleading conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But it had a big shortcoming: it worked only with Macintosh computers, then less than 3 percent of the PC market.

The New York Times - Tech

That is a big shortcoming in a world where many products have more than 100 distinguishable features that might influence consumers, Professor Dahan said.

The New York Times

Conservatives supported this reform package, but from their perspective it had a big shortcoming: the only part of it that dealt with taxes on savings was the phasing out of the estate tax, and even that wasn't scheduled to be completed until 2010.

The New Yorker

Indeed, this is a big shortcoming.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

No matter how well Morningstar deals with style drift, the new system leaves untouched what may be a bigger shortcoming: a heavy reliance on 3-year performance.

The New York Times

That's a very big shortcoming of an inherently social service.

TechCrunch

But it has a pretty big shortcoming as well price.

Forbes

The first-generation iPad mini was near-perfect in terms of a small tablet, with the one big shortcoming being that it lacked Apple's impressive Retina high-resolution display.

TechCrunch

A big potential shortcoming is the fact that this only works with legal P2P file sharing.

TechCrunch

Among the several oh-too-true observations in comedian Jon Stewart's take-down of Steve Jobs was the suggestion that Jobs is obsessed with the technical demerits of Flash when a vastly bigger shortcoming affects the iPhone: an AT&T network that makes it unpleasant to use the phone as, well, a phone.

Forbes

In any case, most Russians, used to being the unquestioned top dogs in the Soviet Union, find it hard to take ethnic minorities seriously.A second big shortcoming of the Russian political system highlighted by the war in Chechnya is the weakness of civilian oversight of the armed forces.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a big shortcoming", ensure the context clearly explains the impact or consequences of the shortcoming. Be specific about what makes it significant.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the severity of "a big shortcoming". Ensure that the flaw genuinely has a significant negative impact, rather than being a minor inconvenience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big shortcoming" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a significant defect or flaw. As evidenced by Ludwig, it typically appears in sentences where a problem or deficiency needs to be highlighted and analyzed.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a big shortcoming" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for identifying a significant flaw or deficiency. Ludwig AI confirms that it is most frequently used in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. While less common than some alternatives, it remains a valid and appropriate choice when a writer wants to emphasize the importance of a particular weakness. When using this phrase, ensure that the impact of the shortcoming is clear and proportional to the claim made.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major deficiency

Emphasizes the substantial nature of the deficiency, similar to 'big' but with a slightly more formal tone.

a significant weakness

Focuses on the aspect of weakness, implying a vulnerability or area of concern.

a considerable drawback

Highlights the negative aspect of the shortcoming as a disadvantage.

a notable imperfection

Emphasizes the presence of a flaw that is worthy of attention.

a substantial limitation

Points out the restriction or constraint imposed by the shortcoming.

a glaring defect

Highlights a very obvious and easily noticeable flaw.

a critical flaw

Focuses on the seriousness and importance of the flaw.

a serious disadvantage

Highlights the negative impact and severity of the disadvantage.

a key issue

Focuses on the problematic aspect of the issue.

a major impediment

Emphasizes the hindering aspect of the shortcoming, acting as an obstacle.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a big shortcoming"?

You can use alternatives like "a major deficiency", "a significant weakness", or "a considerable drawback" depending on the context.

How do I use "a big shortcoming" in a sentence?

Use "a big shortcoming" to describe a notable flaw or deficiency. For example: "The project's "a big shortcoming" was its unrealistic timeline."

What's the difference between "a big shortcoming" and "a minor flaw"?

"A big shortcoming" implies a significant negative impact, while "a minor flaw" suggests a smaller, less consequential issue. The choice depends on the severity of the problem.

Is it always negative to point out "a big shortcoming"?

While it can be seen as critical, identifying "a big shortcoming" is essential for improvement and progress. It's important to present it constructively.