Langimage
English

shortcomings

|short-com-ings|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈʃɔrtˌkʌmɪŋz/

🇬🇧

/ˈʃɔːtˌkʌmɪŋz/

(shortcoming)

deficiency or fault

Base FormPlural
shortcomingshortcomings
Etymology
Etymology Information

'shortcoming' originates from the combination of 'short' and 'coming', where 'short' meant 'lacking' and 'coming' referred to 'approaching or arriving'.

Historical Evolution

'shortcoming' evolved from the Middle English word 'shortcomen', which meant 'to fall short'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to fall short of expectations', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a fault or failure to meet a certain standard, typically in a person's character or performance.

Despite his many talents, his shortcomings were evident in his lack of punctuality.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45