technical shortcoming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "technical shortcoming" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a flaw or limitation in a technical context, such as in software, engineering, or technology discussions. Example: "The product was delayed due to a significant technical shortcoming that needed to be addressed before launch."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Plasmodium falciparum: Underestimation of dihydrofolate reductase and dihydropteroate synthase polymorphism in field samples: A technical shortcoming of nested PCR assays with mutation-specific primers.

Experimental Parasitology

Owing to this technical shortcoming, the taurine ancestral estimates of our study population may not be fully conclusive.

Heredity

Third, to fill the Inion GTR membrane tube with the fibrin gel emerged as a technical shortcoming.

BioMed Research International

Thus the observed antiangiogenic profile of breast cancer tissues cannot result from a technical shortcoming of the detection method.

British Journal of Cancer

Nevertheless, since the exons for which interpretable results were available were equally distributed between the eight different amplicons we used in our study, our conclusion of a very low frequency of Smad4 point mutations in the population studied is not put into question by this technical shortcoming.

British Journal of Cancer

4) The absence of direct physiological evidence for an inhibitory connection between the DPM and the α' and β' neurons is unfortunate, but it seems clear that this is a shortcoming of the available tools for measuring inhibition deep in the Drosophila brain rather than a technical shortcoming of this study.

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Critics, killjoys that they are, have dissected his technical shortcomings.

The New Yorker

Even the Modern University, though, has its technical shortcomings.

The New York Times

Descriptive labels sort out their meaning, but their technical shortcomings cannot be explained away.

The New York Times

The technical shortcomings are camouflaged by the speed and clarity of Max Stafford-Clark's Cottesloe production.

The Guardian

Substantial technical shortcomings masked by amplification are laid bare in a more conventional classical setting.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "technical shortcomings", be specific about the area or aspect affected. This provides clarity and focuses the discussion on potential solutions.

Common error

Avoid vague statements about "technical shortcomings" without providing concrete examples. Generalities can lack impact and hinder effective problem-solving.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "technical shortcoming" functions as a noun phrase, where "technical" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "shortcoming". This phrase is used to identify and describe a specific type of deficiency or limitation related to technical aspects of a system, design, or process, as indicated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "technical shortcoming" effectively communicates a deficiency or limitation within a technical context. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and provides various examples across science, news, and business domains. Alternatives such as "technical limitation" or "technical flaw" offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas. It is crucial to be specific when discussing "technical shortcomings" to ensure clear communication and facilitate effective problem-solving. While generally neutral, its precision lends itself more readily to formal or professional discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

technical limitation

Focuses on the restrictive aspect, implying a constraint rather than a fault.

technical flaw

Emphasizes a defect or imperfection in the technical aspect.

engineering defect

Specifically points to a problem in the engineering design or execution.

design weakness

Highlights a vulnerability or inadequacy in the design phase.

systemic issue

Refers to a problem inherent in the overall system, not necessarily just technical.

functional deficit

Indicates a lack or impairment in the functionality.

technological gap

Suggests a missing element or capability in technology.

performance bottleneck

Focuses on a specific point where performance is restricted.

operational deficiency

Points to a shortfall in the operational aspects of a technical system.

implementation hurdle

Emphasizes a challenge or obstacle in the process of implementing a technology.

FAQs

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

You can use "technical shortcoming" to describe a specific flaw or limitation in a technical design, system, or process. For example: "The project was delayed due to a significant "technical shortcoming" in the software architecture."

What are some alternatives to "technical shortcoming"?

Alternatives to "technical shortcoming" include "technical limitation", "technical flaw", or "design weakness". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "technical shortcoming" formal or informal?

"Technical shortcoming" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While it is a relatively neutral term, it is often used in professional and technical discussions.

What's the difference between "technical shortcoming" and "technical difficulty"?

"Technical shortcoming" refers to an inherent flaw or limitation, while "technical difficulty" describes a temporary problem or challenge encountered during operation or implementation. A "technical shortcoming" is a characteristic of the design, whereas a "technical difficulty" is an event.