SHORTCOMING
ADJECTIVES
► FAULT-SURE conscious of one’s faults or shortcomings → 1900 Eng. dial.
NOUNS
► DEFALCATION falling away, defection; shortcoming, failure, delinquency → 1750
► WANING default, shortcoming → c1320 obs.
► WANT a defect, failing, fault; a shortcoming → 1592 obs.
PHRASES
► HAIR IN ONE’S NECK, A a hold over someone, generally arising from a mistake or shortcoming which can be used against one’s reputation, etc. → 1818 Sc.
Lexicophilia 