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Sunsail Posted 17 years ago
Vocabulary

Shortcoming vs flaw

Hello
what is the difference between these two? what if I use flaw in this sentence below?

"Talking about one's shortcomings is never fun"

Best Regards
  

Top answer

To me, "flaw" feels more structural, while "shortcoming" refers more to behaviour or function (and tends to sound less serious -- or more fixable, at least). You could talk, for example, about a flaw in a crystal but not a shortcoming in a crystal. Similarly, a flaw in a computer chip would probably mean an actual physical manufacturing or design defect, while a shortcoming would be a limitation in function.

— Mr Wordy

  • To me, "flaw" feels more structural, while "shortcoming" refers more to behaviour or function (and tends to sound less serious -- or more fixable, at least).
  • You could talk, for example, about a flaw in a crystal but not a shortcoming in a crystal.
  • Similarly, a flaw in a computer chip would probably mean an actual physical manufacturing or design defect, while a shortcoming would be a limitation in function.
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4 Answers
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To me, "flaw" feels more structural, while "shortcoming" refers more to behaviour or function (and tends to sound less serious -- or more fixable, at least). You could talk, for example, about a flaw in a crystal but not a shortcoming in a crystal. Similarly, a flaw in a computer chip would probably mean an actual physical manufacturing or design defect, while a shortcoming would be a limitation
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sunsailwhat What is the difference between these two? what What if I use "flaw" in this sentence below?

"Talking about one's shortcomings is never fun"I don't think of people as
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I met usages of these two in few interview articles.While interviewing people some questions may be perceived as exposing their flaws( in one article) ,shortcomings(in other article)

What can be flaw or shortcoming of a person? For example not able to handle stress is a flaw or shortcoming?

I did not know that these are can be used for objects.

Best Regards
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I don't have a problem with a person having flaws (as well as shortcomings). There is some overlap in meaning, but a flaw seems to me more like a structural defect in their personality, and a shortcoming more like a limitation in their ability. "shortcoming" also tends to sound less serious. Depending on how you perceive it, inability to handle stress could be either, but I suppose I'd tend to cl
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