shortcoming

A shortcoming is a fault, deficiency, or limitation that reduces the effectiveness, quality, or completeness of a person, object, or system.

The term derives from English, formed as a compound of short and coming, and has been in use since the early modern period. It generally implies an imperfection that can be identified and potentially addressed, rather than an irremediable flaw.

In individuals, a shortcoming refers to limitations in character, skills, or dispositions, such as patience or technical expertise. In machinery, software, or organizations, it denotes a design gap, performance weakness, or procedural deficiency that prevents optimal operation.

Shortcomings are relative to standards or expectations; a feature may be acceptable in one context and inadequate in another. They are often contrasted with strengths or with intrinsic defects that cannot be easily remedied.

See also: weakness, defect, deficiency, limitation, imperfection.