shortcoming of

USAGE SUMMARY

'shortcoming of' is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used to refer to a failure to fulfill the expectations or requirements of something. For example, "We noted the main shortcomings of the report in our assessment and made suggestions for improvement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I think that's a very serious shortcoming of dunes".

The New York Times - Science

However, this underscores a shortcoming of "How Google Works".

The Economist

A final shortcoming of "The Utility of Force" is its limited historical perspective.

The New York Times - Books

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

The Guardian - Music

Its absence is a major shortcoming of Arad and Walker's design as it now stands.

The New Yorker

Another key shortcoming of the Clemens report is that it focuses almost exclusively on his E.R.A.

The New York Times - Sports

"But at this stage of his life, he has the regrettable shortcoming of acting his age".

The New York Times

One shortcoming of RNA interference is that it can only turn genes off.

The New York Times - Science

One shortcoming of this excellent anthology is the lack of an environmental focus.

The Guardian - Books

And perhaps here lies the only shortcoming of "The Wagner Clan".

The New York Times - Books

A major shortcoming of both the Windows and Mac tools is that neither searches e-mail.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shortcoming of", be specific about what is lacking or deficient. Avoid vague statements and provide context to clarify the nature and impact of the shortcoming.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of a "shortcoming of". Accurately assess its significance in the overall context. Overstating its importance can undermine the credibility of your analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shortcoming of" functions as a noun phrase acting as a prepositional complement. It identifies a deficiency or weakness associated with a particular subject. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly employed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shortcoming of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to identify a deficiency or weakness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, from formal to informal. The phrase functions as a noun phrase and serves the purpose of critically assessing and evaluating a particular subject. Frequent alternative expressions include "weakness of", "deficiency of", and "limitation of". When using "shortcoming of", it's best to be specific about the nature and impact of the deficiency while avoiding exaggeration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weakness of

Emphasizes a lack of strength or effectiveness.

deficiency of

Highlights a lack of something essential or necessary.

limitation of

Focuses on a restriction or constraint.

drawback of

Points out a disadvantage or negative aspect.

flaw of

Indicates a defect or imperfection.

downside of

Highlights a negative aspect or disadvantage.

defect of

Focuses on a specific fault or imperfection.

failing of

Emphasizes a failure to meet expectations.

inadequacy of

Stresses a lack of sufficient quality or quantity.

lapse of

Highlights a temporary failure or error.

FAQs

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

You can use "shortcoming of" to point out a specific weakness or deficiency. For example, "A major shortcoming of both the Windows and Mac tools is that neither searches e-mail".

What are some alternatives to "shortcoming of"?

Alternatives include "weakness of", "deficiency of", or "limitation of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Both "shortcoming of" and "weakness of" are correct, but "shortcoming of" often implies a failure to meet a certain expectation or standard, while "weakness of" simply indicates a lack of strength or effectiveness.

What is the difference between "shortcoming of" and "failure of"?

"Shortcoming of" refers to a specific limitation or deficiency, while "failure of" implies a complete lack of success. A "shortcoming of" something may not necessarily lead to complete failure.