a clear shortcoming of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clear shortcoming of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to highlight a specific deficiency or flaw in something, such as a plan, argument, or product. Example: "One clear shortcoming of the proposed policy is its lack of consideration for low-income families."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Until now there is also a clear shortcoming of pain management and medical treatment.

BMC Palliative Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The clear shortcoming of the core constraint is that at some level of divergence, core regions cannot be aligned correctly without insertions or deletions, hence methods without the core constraint are more suited to remote homolog recognition and alignment.

Bioinformatics

Now, without further ado, here are this week's games: The wildcard race is wide open in the AFC – with just three teams in the conference having winning records – and despite some clear shortcomings both of these teams can consider themselves to be in the mix.

The Guardian - Sport

The recent (2013 to 2014) medical strike in Mozambique is a clear sign of this shortcoming.

Human Resources for Health

But there are clear shortcomings in the application of each of these methods in courtrooms.

The New York Times - Science

The most common shortcomings were a clear definition of LBP, lack of adequate representation of the population, lack of detail on the instrument used, and lack of using a reliable and valid questionnaire to collect data (Tables 1 and 6).

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

The earliest VIDA counts were simple series of blue and red pie charts showing each publication's gender breakdown, a clear signal of each outlet's successes or shortcomings in achieving gender equity.

Huffington Post

Diagnosing these shortcomings and improving our native capabilities requires a clear account of what is possible were we more cognitively well-endowed.

Erkenntnis

PHILADELPHIA--Government health officials are wrestling with a tough decision: Should they approve the most ambitious clinical trials to date of an AIDS vaccine, even if the two candidates have clear shortcomings?

Science Magazine

This means articles with a clear description of their methods may rank highly even when there are shortcomings in how the study was framed or the range of costs included.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

The complexity of Snail's functional activation makes clear that it is a shortcoming of Western blot analysis that only total protein expression is reflected, which does not necessarily correlate to the amount of active Snail.

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a clear shortcoming of" to directly and unambiguously identify a specific weakness or area needing improvement. This phrase is particularly effective when you want to emphasize the obvious nature of the deficiency.

Common error

Avoid redundantly using "clear" in every critique. While it emphasizes visibility, overuse diminishes its impact. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "significant shortcoming", "notable deficiency" or "major limitation" for a more nuanced critique.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clear shortcoming of" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific weakness or deficiency in something. This is supported by Ludwig, which validates it as correct and usable in English, allowing it to introduce a point of criticism or a perceived issue.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clear shortcoming of" serves as a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to identify evident deficiencies across diverse contexts, particularly in scientific, journalistic, and formal business environments. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility. When writing, aim to employ this phrase for directly addressing specific weaknesses while occasionally integrating synonyms to enhance clarity and engagement. Steer clear of needless repetition of the term "clear" to keep the writing impactful. By following these steps, you may use "a clear shortcoming of" effectively and enrich your writing quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a distinct disadvantage of

Emphasizes the unfavorable aspect of the shortcoming.

a notable weakness in

Focuses on the vulnerability or frailty of something.

a significant limitation of

Highlights a restriction or boundary imposed by the shortcoming.

an obvious failing of

Stresses the lack of success or effectiveness.

a manifest defect in

Draws attention to a flaw or imperfection.

a glaring inadequacy in

Emphasizes the insufficient nature of something.

a patent deficiency in

Highlights the lack or shortage of something necessary.

a plain imperfection in

Focuses on the presence of a blemish or flaw.

a marked absence of

Emphasizes the non-existence of something.

a recognized fault in

Highlights an acknowledged weakness or flaw.

FAQs

How can I use "a clear shortcoming of" in a sentence?

Use "a clear shortcoming of" to point out a specific and easily noticeable weakness in a plan, system, or idea. For example: "A clear shortcoming of the proposed budget is its lack of funding for education."

What are some alternatives to "a clear shortcoming of"?

You can use alternatives such as "a distinct disadvantage of", "a significant limitation of", or "a notable weakness in" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "a clear shortcoming of" and "a major flaw in"?

While both indicate a problem, "a clear shortcoming of" suggests a more readily apparent deficiency, whereas "a major flaw in" implies a more fundamental defect, potentially less obvious but more impactful. Consider using the phrase that best reflects the nature of the issue you're describing.

Can I use "a clear shortcoming of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a clear shortcoming of" is suitable for formal writing. It provides a direct and unambiguous way to address a deficiency, making it useful in academic papers, reports, and professional documents. However, ensure the tone remains objective and constructive.