great shortcomings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "great shortcomings" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe significant deficiencies or flaws in something, such as a project, plan, or performance. Example: "The report highlighted the great shortcomings in the current policy, prompting a need for immediate revisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Since boyhood, he continued, he had admired F.B.I. agents as "some of the best men I know". But, he added, the agency currently suffered "two great shortcomings"—a lack of objectivity in pursuing facts, and an intolerance of internal criticism.

The New York Times

After a long digression about high tea, Orwell explains that "the two great shortcomings of British cookery are a failure to treat vegetables with due seriousness, and an excessive use of sugar", but urges readers to try the best of British food – in his opinion, apples, salt fish, oysters, biscuits, and jams and jellies.

The Guardian - Books

Though he made a great deal of the significance of his employment of the principle of association when giving summary presentations of his work, one of Condillac's great shortcomings is his treatment of association.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Still, the great shortcoming of the Amazon business model, a point that Packer drives home, is the inability to reduce the cost, whether for the publisher or the author, of finding an audience.

The New Yorker

The great shortcoming of the LG fridge is that the camera can't be turned inward to see what's inside -- you have to rely on the manually entered list (or open the door).

The New York Times - Magazine

Daisy, Fitzgerald tells us, is a "careless person": that is her great shortcoming.

BBC

The greatest shortcomings are sins of omission, not commission.

The New York Times

One of his greatest shortcomings, Mr. Tareen said, was his disdain of democratic methods, and civilian politicians.

The New York Times

One of the president's greatest shortcomings, Mr. Tareen said, was his disdain for democratic norms and civilian politicians.

The New York Times

But for those who study the draft, the Ravens are considered almost unmatched because of their acumen in the middle rounds, where the remaining players have greater shortcomings.

The New York Times - Sports

In his emphasis on "the organic," however, Martin would encounter one of his greatest shortcomings as a critic, a racial essentialism that excluded the black dancing body from his "universal" theories of art.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "great shortcomings", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being evaluated and why the identified shortcomings are considered significant. Be specific about the impact or consequences of these shortcomings.

Common error

Avoid using "great shortcomings" for minor or trivial issues. Reserve it for situations where the deficiencies genuinely have a substantial impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great shortcomings" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. The examples show it describing significant deficiencies in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "great shortcomings" is a valid and usable expression in English, although relatively rare in frequency. It serves to denote significant deficiencies or flaws, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. The phrase finds application across various contexts, including news, science, and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants the emphasis on the severity of the shortcomings. Consider alternatives like ""significant deficiencies"" or ""major weaknesses"" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant deficiencies

Emphasizes the importance of the flaws.

major weaknesses

Focuses on the lack of strength or effectiveness.

serious flaws

Highlights the severity and impact of the imperfections.

critical failings

Indicates failures that have significant consequences.

substantial limitations

Points out the restrictions or boundaries.

key drawbacks

Highlights the disadvantages or negative aspects.

notable imperfections

Draws attention to the presence of flaws.

grave defects

Focuses on the seriousness and potentially damaging nature of the flaws.

glaring inadequacies

Highlights the obvious and insufficient qualities.

pronounced vulnerabilities

Emphasizes areas susceptible to harm or exploitation.

FAQs

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

You can use "great shortcomings" to describe significant deficiencies or flaws in a plan, project, or person. For example, "The report highlighted the "great shortcomings" in the current policy, prompting a need for immediate revisions."

What are some alternatives to saying "great shortcomings"?

Alternatives include "significant deficiencies", "major weaknesses", or "serious flaws", depending on the specific context and the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

Is it better to say "great shortcomings" or "major shortcomings"?

Both "great shortcomings" and "major shortcomings" are acceptable, but "major shortcomings" might sound more natural in contemporary English. "Great shortcomings" can sometimes carry a slightly more formal or emphatic tone.

In what contexts is "great shortcomings" most appropriate?

"Great shortcomings" is suitable in formal writing or when you want to emphasize the gravity of the deficiencies. It can be used in academic, professional, or journalistic contexts to describe significant flaws or limitations.