a frequent shortcoming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a frequent shortcoming" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a common flaw or deficiency in a person, system, or process. Example: "One of the team's frequent shortcomings is their inability to meet deadlines consistently."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The most frequent shortcoming in quality assessment was an insufficiently or not reported response rate (n=19; table 3).

BMJ Open

The most frequent shortcomings in the included trials were: omitting a description of the randomisation procedure, a lack of concealed allocation to groups and/or inadequate blinding.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Even as passengers remain frustrated with the frequent shortcomings of their trains, many accept those limitations with stoicism.

The New York Times

Frequent shortcomings or outright lack of performance assessments of environmental interventions in general and PES projects in particular have resulted in recommendations for "optimal" PES designs.

Forest Policy and Economics

Two frequent shortcomings were no written record of the information provided to patients and unsigned drug prescriptions [ 2].

BMC Health Services Research

Author is a frequent customer.

The New Yorker

This is a frequent error.

The New York Times

"I am a frequent traveller.

Independent

A frequent subject is Michelle Obama.

The New York Times

A frequent topic of conversation….

The New Yorker

It is a frequent sound.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a frequent shortcoming", be specific about the context. Clearly identify what the shortcoming is and what it affects. For example, instead of saying "A frequent shortcoming is lack of communication", specify, "A frequent shortcoming of the project team is their lack of communication with stakeholders".

Common error

Avoid using "a frequent shortcoming" as a vague criticism without providing concrete examples. Always support your statement with evidence or specific instances of the shortcoming to make your point more convincing and actionable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a frequent shortcoming" functions as a noun phrase, where "frequent" modifies the noun "shortcoming". It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, identifying a recurring deficiency or weakness.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a frequent shortcoming" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to identify a recurring deficiency or weakness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in English. While examples are currently limited, it's suitable for neutral to professional contexts. Remember to be specific and provide concrete examples when using this phrase to strengthen your argument. Related phrases include "a common weakness" and "a recurring problem".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common weakness

Replaces "shortcoming" with a more general term for a weakness.

a recurring problem

Focuses on the problem aspect of the shortcoming, emphasizing its repetitive nature.

a typical deficiency

Highlights the deficiency aspect of the shortcoming and its typical occurrence.

a regular failing

Emphasizes the failure aspect of the shortcoming and its regular occurrence.

a usual flaw

Replaces "shortcoming" with "flaw", indicating a common imperfection.

a persistent limitation

Highlights the limiting aspect of the shortcoming and its persistence.

a repeated imperfection

Focuses on the imperfection aspect of the shortcoming and its repeated occurrence.

a habitual defect

Emphasizes the defect aspect of the shortcoming and its habitual occurrence.

a consistent drawback

Highlights the drawback aspect of the shortcoming and its consistent presence.

a predictable fault

Focuses on the fault aspect of the shortcoming and its predictability.

FAQs

How can I use "a frequent shortcoming" in a sentence?

You can use "a frequent shortcoming" to describe a recurring problem or deficiency. For example: "A frequent shortcoming of the software is its lack of user-friendly interface".

What are some alternatives to "a frequent shortcoming"?

Alternatives include "a common weakness", "a recurring problem", or "a typical deficiency" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "a frequent shortcoming" and "an occasional oversight"?

"A frequent shortcoming" refers to a problem that happens often, while "an occasional oversight" refers to a mistake that happens rarely. The key difference is the frequency of occurrence.

Is it better to use "frequent shortcoming" or "common shortcoming"?

Both "frequent shortcoming" and "common shortcoming" are acceptable. "Frequent" emphasizes the recurring nature of the problem, while "common" emphasizes that it is widespread. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.