familiar shortcomings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "familiar shortcomings" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to known or recognized deficiencies or weaknesses in a particular context, such as a project, system, or individual. Example: "Despite the team's efforts, they were still facing familiar shortcomings that had hindered their progress in the past."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

There are familiar shortcomings and merits.

The Guardian - Music

Cardiff's manager was bitterly disappointed with a defeat that highlighted familiar shortcomings.

The Guardian - Sport

Asked whether that was born of familiar shortcomings in front of goal – his team managed 23 shots but only four on target – Mourinho concurred.

The Guardian - Sport

It was the second goal that Liverpool conceded from a corner, after Stefano Okaka's opener exposed familiar shortcomings in a team that were vulnerable when dealing with dead-ball situations last season.

The Guardian - Sport

Sherwood described this game as must-win and for a brief period it looked like he might get his wish, yet the all too familiar shortcomings that have plagued Villa this season resurfaced.

The Guardian - Sport

Stefano Okaka exposed those all too familiar shortcomings with Watford's first, the striker's free header from close range flashing beyond Simon Mignolet, and the defending in the lead-up to the second goal, shortly after Sadio Mané had equalised with a superb solo effort, was every bit as calamitous.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

They overcame numerous and all-too-familiar shortcomings by making up for them with gritty play.

Los Angeles Times

But yet another scoring lull — a span of nearly 12 minutes in the first half in which UCI converted only two field goals and scored six points — was an all-too-familiar shortcoming for the visitors, who have lost three straight as they travel to Cal State Northridge on Saturday.

Los Angeles Times

Not just the way he sounded - and we run into familiar linguistic shortcomings quite early on, when that sound is described as "large and dry, slightly undercooked" - but the evolution of what jazzers used to refer to as his "concept".

The Guardian - Books

But veterans and VA workers are wearily familiar with these shortcomings.

Huffington Post

Pietrangeli offers us cartoon characters with human souls; their needs remain all too recognizable and their shortcomings all too familiar.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "familiar shortcomings", ensure the context clearly establishes what these shortcomings are, as the phrase itself relies on shared understanding or prior knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "familiar shortcomings" if the audience is not already aware of the specific issues you're referencing. Instead, provide context or briefly explain the shortcomings to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "familiar shortcomings" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "familiar" modifies the noun "shortcomings". It identifies and emphasizes known deficiencies or weaknesses, often implying a recurring or expected nature. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "familiar shortcomings" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that refers to known or recognized deficiencies. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is suitable for written English and is often used to point out recurring or well-established problems. While not extremely common, the phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, as well as in sports and scientific writing. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear and that the audience understands the specific shortcomings being referenced. Alternatives such as "well-known flaws" or "recognized limitations" can be used to provide additional clarity or nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well-known flaws

Emphasizes the negative aspect of the shortcomings and their recognized existence.

recognized limitations

Focuses on the boundaries or constraints that are acknowledged.

typical deficiencies

Highlights that the shortcomings are common or expected.

common weaknesses

Stresses the general and recurring nature of the flaws.

established defects

Suggests the shortcomings are confirmed and long-standing.

usual failings

Points out the customary or predictable aspects of the shortcomings.

recurrent faults

Underscores that the shortcomings happen repeatedly.

perennial issues

Implies the shortcomings are persistent and enduring.

chronic problems

Indicates the shortcomings are long-term and difficult to resolve.

ingrained frailties

Emphasizes the deeply rooted and inherent nature of the shortcomings.

FAQs

How can I use "familiar shortcomings" in a sentence?

You can use "familiar shortcomings" to refer to recurring or well-known deficiencies. For example, "The project suffered from the "familiar shortcomings" of understaffing and poor communication".

What are some alternatives to "familiar shortcomings"?

Alternatives include "well-known flaws", "recognized limitations", or "typical deficiencies", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "familial shortcomings" instead of "familiar shortcomings"?

No, "familial shortcomings" refers to shortcomings within a family. The correct phrase to use for well-known deficiencies is "familiar shortcomings".

What's the difference between "familiar shortcomings" and "potential shortcomings"?

"Familiar shortcomings" refers to deficiencies that are already known or have occurred before. "Potential shortcomings" refers to shortcomings that are anticipated but have not necessarily occurred yet.