How to pronounce shortcoming
Say it like SHORT-kuhm-ing. Shortcoming has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SHORT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce shortcoming. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SHORT
- kuhm
- ing
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Shortcoming pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SHORTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- kuhmGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- ingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of shortcoming
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SHAWT-kuhm-ing.
What does shortcoming mean?
- A deficiency or falling short; failure to attain a goal or ideal.
Where does shortcoming come from?
From short + coming.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying shortcoming
How do you pronounce shortcoming?
Say SHORT-kuhm-ing. The American pronunciation is /ˈʃoʊrtˌkʌmɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈʃɔːtˌkʌmɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in shortcoming?
Shortcoming has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SHORT). Broken into parts: SHORT · kuhm · ing.
Is shortcoming pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈʃɔːtˌkʌmɪŋ/ (SHAWT-kuhm-ing).