grave shortcomings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grave shortcomings" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to serious or significant flaws or deficiencies. You can use this phrase in various situations, such as discussing the shortcomings of a product or system, addressing the mistakes or weaknesses of an individual or organization, or even describing personal flaws or challenges. Example: Despite its success, the company's latest product has some grave shortcomings that need to be addressed in order to maintain its market position. Another example: The new government policy has been heavily criticized for its grave shortcomings in addressing poverty and inequality.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Despite these grave shortcomings, however, the madrasah produced one important advantage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And Mr. Riordan is appropriately unlikable, a brilliant man completely oblivious to his own grave shortcomings.

The New York Times

It found considerable improvements but also grave shortcomings that could leave the nation vulnerable to new and "likely successful attacks".

The New York Times

Sad to say, however, the merits of the Encyclopedia of Peace are counter-balanced by grave shortcomings.

The Guardian - Books

A series of reports has accused it of grave shortcomings by failing to prevent the 2001 terrorist attacks and inaccurately assessing whether Iraq had unconventional arms.

The New York Times

A public inquiry took place in 1998, and Sir William Macpherson, who was in charge of it, used the term "institutionally racist" in his report to account for the grave shortcomings of the police investigation.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Snodgrass has been too rigorous in selecting his "Selected," a far less grave shortcoming than being too lax, but a shortcoming all the same.

The New York Times - Books

Yet another grave shortcoming of cable news programming in the U.S. is the networks' tendency to focus on domestic news to the detriment of international coverage.

Huffington Post

The report said that one of the gravest shortcomings of the police department was ineffectual civilian oversight, partly because the police commission is understaffed and underfunded and partly because the police chief and his supporters have fought outside control.

The New York Times

However, the present review can only partially shed light on the issue, due to a number of rather grave methodological shortcomings.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Nor does he epitomize, as Rich suggests, fundamental societal shortcomings far graver than the 9/11 attacks.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grave shortcomings" to emphasize the serious and concerning nature of the flaws being discussed. This phrase adds weight and urgency to your critique.

Common error

Avoid using "grave shortcomings" in casual conversation or informal writing. It sounds overly dramatic and out of place. Opt for simpler terms like "big problems" or "major issues" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grave shortcomings" functions as a noun phrase, where "grave" modifies the noun "shortcomings". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and commonly used. It serves to describe serious flaws or deficiencies.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "grave shortcomings" denotes significant and serious flaws, finding frequent use in news, media, and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage for expressing concerns about notable deficiencies. While grammatically sound, its formality suggests reserving it for professional and academic discourse. Alternative phrases like "serious deficiencies" or "critical flaws" can be used to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious deficiencies

Replaces "grave" with "serious", a synonym emphasizing the severity of the shortcomings.

significant weaknesses

Substitutes both "grave" and "shortcomings" with synonyms focusing on the impactful nature of the flaws.

critical flaws

Emphasizes the importance and potential consequences of the shortcomings.

major failings

Highlights the failure aspect, indicating a lack of success or effectiveness.

severe limitations

Focuses on restrictions and constraints that significantly hinder performance or progress.

profound inadequacies

Indicates a deep and fundamental lack of what is needed or expected.

substantial defects

Highlights the presence of significant imperfections or faults.

acute drawbacks

Emphasizes the sharpness and immediacy of the negative aspects.

considerable imperfections

Points out the noticeable and impactful nature of the flaws.

glaring omissions

Highlights the obvious and conspicuous aspects of what is missing or neglected.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "grave shortcomings" in a sentence?

Use "grave shortcomings" when you want to highlight severe and significant flaws or deficiencies. For example, "The report revealed "grave shortcomings" in the company's security protocols."

What are some alternatives to using "grave shortcomings"?

You can use alternatives such as "serious deficiencies", "significant weaknesses", or "critical flaws" depending on the specific context.

Is "grave shortcomings" too formal for everyday use?

Yes, "grave shortcomings" is quite formal and is best reserved for professional, academic, or journalistic contexts. Simpler phrases are more appropriate for casual conversations.

What is the difference between "grave shortcomings" and "minor flaws"?

"Grave shortcomings" indicates serious and concerning issues, while "minor flaws" refers to small and relatively unimportant imperfections. The former carries a much heavier weight and implies significant consequences.