What is shortcoming? Pronunciation and usage in English

shortcoming means . Learn how to pronounce and use shortcoming through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of shortcoming

shortcomingnoun

/ˈʃɔːtkʌmɪŋ//ˈʃɔːrtkʌmɪŋ/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "shortcoming." It can be tricky for some! Here's a detailed breakdown:

1. Syllable Breakdown:

  • short: /ʃɔːrt/ (rhymes with "sport" or "sort")
  • com: /kɒm/ (rhymes with "comb")
  • ing: /ɪŋ/ (like the "ing" at the end of "sing")

2. Putting it Together:

The whole word is pronounced: ʃɔːrt kɒm ɪŋ

3. Here's a more detailed explanation of each sound:

  • "sh": As in "shoe" - a quick, single "sh" sound.
  • "oar": The vowel sound in "short" is a broad "ah" sound – like the "a" in "father." It's a longer, more open sound than the "o" in "hot." (This is often the biggest challenge!)
  • "c": The "c" is silent in "shortcoming." Don't pronounce it.
  • "om": This is a classic tricky sound! It’s a rounded "o" sound, made with your lips pursed as if you're saying "oh." Think of the "o" in "comb" or "box."
  • "ing": As in "sing," it’s a short “i” sound.

4. Resources to help you hear it:

Tips for Practice:

  • Slow it down: Start by saying each syllable separately.
  • Listen and Repeat: Repeatedly listen to the pronunciation and try to mimic the sound.
  • Record Yourself: Record yourself saying the word and compare it to the native pronunciation.

Do you want me to:

  • Break down any specific part of the pronunciation you’re struggling with?
  • Give you some example sentences using “shortcoming”?

Usage and examples with the word shortcoming in English

Let's break down how to use the word "shortcoming" effectively in English.

What does "shortcoming" mean?

"Shortcoming" refers to a weakness, fault, or deficiency in a person, thing, or system. It’s something that detracts from its overall effectiveness or quality. It often implies a negative aspect, but it can also be used neutrally to acknowledge a limitation.

Here's a breakdown of how to use it, with examples:

1. As a Noun (the most common usage):

  • Describing People: "One of his major shortcomings was his lack of patience." (He struggled with being patient.)

  • Describing Systems/Things: "The company's biggest shortcoming is its outdated technology." (Their technology is old and not efficient.)

  • Describing Arguments/Plans: "A key shortcoming of the proposal was the lack of funding." (The proposal didn’t have enough money allocated.)

    • Example: "Her unwavering optimism can be seen as a shortcoming when dealing with complex, difficult problems." (It’s a weakness because it might not lead to realistic solutions.)

2. As a Verb (less common, more formal):

  • To recognize a weakness: "He acknowledged his shortcoming and vowed to improve his time management skills." (He admitted he was bad at managing his time.)

  • To fail to meet a standard: "The project unfortunately shortcomed in its objectives." (It didn't achieve what it was supposed to.)

    • Example: "The new software shortcomed in user-friendliness, requiring extensive training.”

Here’s a table to summarize the different ways you can use it:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Noun A weakness or fault "His biggest shortcoming is his stubbornness."
Verb To fail to meet a standard; to lack “The design shortcomed on safety features.”

Tips for Using "Shortcoming" Effectively:

  • Specificity is Key: Don't just say something has a “shortcoming.” Explain what the shortcoming is. Instead of “He has a shortcoming,” say “He has a shortcoming in his ability to delegate tasks.”
  • Context Matters: The tone can shift depending on the context. “Lack of attention to detail” is a fairly neutral shortcoming, while “recklessness” is a more serious one.
  • Balance: Often, recognizing a shortcoming is the first step towards improvement. It's about acknowledging an area for growth, not just criticizing.

Synonyms for "Shortcoming" (to give you options):

  • Weakness
  • Flaw
  • Defect
  • Fault
  • Deficiency
  • Limitation
  • Imperfection

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use "shortcoming" in specific sentences?
  • Help you understand how "shortcoming" differs from related words like "weakness"?
  • Provide some exercises to practice using the word?

Synonyms for the word shortcoming

Practice with vocabulary shortcoming

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The project's most significant ____ was its lack of a robust contingency plan for unforeseen delays.
  2. During the performance review, the manager highlighted a key ____ in the employee's time management skills.
  3. Despite its innovative features, the new software has one notable ____: it is not compatible with older operating systems.
  4. The architect quickly identified a structural ____ in the building's foundation, requiring immediate reinforcement.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words best describes a specific weakness or inadequacy, particularly in a system, person, or plan? a) advantage b) improvement c) shortcoming d) strength

  2. The committee noted a significant ____ in the proposed budget, specifically concerning the allocation of funds for research and development. a) strength b) asset c) shortcoming d) benefit

  3. Select all words that can describe an inherent fault or a point where something falls short of expectations. a) merit b) limitation c) perfection d) flaw e) shortcoming

  4. The sudden policy change presented a major ____ to the company's expansion plans. a) catalyst b) hindrance c) impetus d) facilitation

  5. After thorough testing, several minor ____ were discovered in the product's design, necessitating a recall. a) attributes b) merits c) defects d) capabilities

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: One major weakness of the current strategy is its over-reliance on a single market. Rewrite (using "shortcoming"):

  2. Original: The project failed to meet its objectives due to several critical inadequacies in its initial planning. Rewrite (using "shortcoming"):

  3. Original: The new technology, despite its benefits, presents a significant negative aspect regarding its high power consumption. Rewrite (not using "shortcoming", but a suitable replacement word):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. shortcoming
  2. shortcoming
  3. drawback
  4. flaw

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) shortcoming
  2. c) shortcoming
  3. b) limitation, d) flaw, e) shortcoming
  4. b) hindrance
  5. c) defects

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The current strategy's primary shortcoming is its over-reliance on a single market.
  2. Several critical shortcomings in the project's initial planning led to its failure to meet objectives.
  3. Despite its benefits, the new technology has a significant drawback: its high power consumption.

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