a shortcoming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a shortcoming" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a deficiency or flaw in something, such as a plan, product, or person's abilities. Example: "One significant shortcoming of the proposal is its lack of detailed financial projections."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But he noted a shortcoming.

The New York Times

But the difference is that scientists typically accept that this is a shortcoming.

The New York Times

Still, the run-on dramatic structure of "The Cave" is a shortcoming.

The New York Times - Arts

"It was a shortcoming".

The New Yorker

Maybe it's a shortcoming.

The Guardian - Books

"This is a shortcoming," he said.

The New York Times - Science

And that is not a shortcoming.

The New York Times

"I remember Lee Trevino saying that everyone had a shortcoming.

The New York Times - Sports

But Hillary Clinton's ambition is often portrayed as a shortcoming.

The New Yorker

"We've been aware of it as a shortcoming.

The New York Times - Arts

That, though, is both a strength and a shortcoming of the revival.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger alternatives such as "weakness" or "flaw" if the situation requires a more impactful expression.

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "The project has a shortcoming." Instead, specify the exact issue: "A significant shortcoming of the project is the lack of detailed risk assessment."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a shortcoming" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific deficiency or fault within a given context. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a commonly used phrase in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

23%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a shortcoming" is a commonly used noun phrase that identifies a deficiency or fault. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It's suitable for neutral to formal contexts and is frequently found in news and scientific sources. When using "a shortcoming", be specific about the deficiency and consider alternatives like "weakness" or "limitation" to tailor your message precisely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a weakness

Focuses on a lack of strength or resilience, differing slightly in connotation from a general fault.

a flaw

Highlights an imperfection or defect, emphasizing a blemish in an otherwise sound object or idea.

a defect

Emphasizes an imperfection that impairs functionality or quality.

a limitation

Focuses on the boundary or constraint that restricts capability or scope.

an inadequacy

Points out a lack of sufficient quality or quantity to meet a specific need or requirement.

an imperfection

Stresses the lack of ideal quality or flawlessness.

a failing

Emphasizes a specific instance of failing to meet a standard or expectation.

a drawback

Indicates a disadvantage or negative aspect that reduces overall appeal or effectiveness.

a disadvantage

Highlights a condition or circumstance that puts one in an unfavorable position.

a lapse

Implies a temporary failure or deviation from an expected standard of behavior or performance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a shortcoming" to point out a deficiency or weakness in something. For example, "A shortcoming of the study is the small sample size."

What are some alternatives to "a shortcoming"?

Alternatives include "a weakness", "a flaw", "a limitation", or "a defect", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "shortcoming" or "weakness"?

The choice depends on the context. "Shortcoming" generally refers to a deficiency or fault, while "weakness" implies a lack of strength or resilience. If you're highlighting a specific fault, "shortcoming" is appropriate. If you're emphasizing a lack of robustness, "weakness" might be better.

What's the difference between "a shortcoming" and "a problem"?

"A shortcoming" refers to a specific deficiency or fault, while "a problem" is a more general term for any difficulty or issue. A shortcoming can contribute to a problem, but a problem may have multiple causes beyond a single shortcoming.