What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Shortcoming vs Demerit - What's the difference?

shortcoming | demerit |

As nouns the difference between shortcoming and demerit

is that shortcoming is deficiency while demerit is (senseid) a quality of being inadequate; a fault; a disadvantage.

As a verb demerit is

(archaic) to deserve.

shortcoming

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • deficiency
  • * 2013 , Daniel Taylor, Rickie Lambert's debut goal gives England victory over Scotland'' (in ''The Guardian , 14 August 2013)[http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/aug/14/england-scotland-international-friendly]
    • They were behind twice, first to James Morrison's 11th-minute strike and then Kenny Miller's effort early in the second half. England responded with goals of their own from Theo Walcott and Daniel Welbeck and, on the balance of play, probably deserved the victory. On the flip-side', they could conceivably have lost because of their various ' shortcomings in defence. They also have a goalkeeper, Joe Hart, who is a danger to his own team on nights like these.

    External links

    * *

    demerit

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (senseid) A quality of being inadequate; a fault; a disadvantage
  • * Burke
    • They see no merit or demerit in any man or any action.
  • * Sir W. Temple
    • Secure, unless forfeited by any demerit or offense.
  • A mark given for bad conduct to a person attending an educational institution or serving in the army.
  • *2002 , , by G.W.Bush:
  • *:A few of you have followed in the path of the perfect West Point graduate, Robert E. Lee, who never received a single demerit' in four years. Some of you followed in the path of the imperfect graduate, Ulysses S. Grant, who had his fair share of ' demerits , and said the happiest day of his life was "the day I left West Point." (Laughter.)
  • That which one merits or deserves, either of good or ill; desert.
  • * Holland
    • By many benefits and demerits whereby they obliged their adherents, [they] acquired this reputation.

    Synonyms

    * discredit

    Antonyms

    * merit

    Derived terms

    * demerit point

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • (archaic) To deserve.
  • * 1840 , Alexander Campbell, Dolphus Skinner, A discussion of the doctrines of the endless misery and universal salvation (page 351)
    • You hold that every sin is an infinite evil, demeriting endless punishment.
  • * Udall
    • If I have demerited any love or thanks.
  • (archaic) To depreciate or cry down.
  • * Bishop John Woolton
    • Faith by her own dignity and worthiness doth not demerit justice and righteousness; but receiveth and embraceth the same offered unto us in the gospel

    Anagrams

    * * *