German word

Manko

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈmaŋkoː/

Meaning

  • neuter nounshortcoming

Example

Sein größtes Manko ist seine Ungeduld.

His biggest shortcoming is his impatience.

Illustration for Manko (shortcoming)

More examples

Viele Teams müssen mit einem Manko in der Kommunikation leben.

Many teams have to live with a shortcoming in communication.

Core concept

A visible gap or weak spot keeps an otherwise complete thing from being fully effective.

Common phrases

  • mit einem Manko leben

    live with a shortcoming

  • ein Manko nennen

    name a shortcoming

  • sein Manko erkennen

    recognize his shortcoming

Similar words

Mangel: A lack of a needed amount or element.
Defizit: A measurable shortfall below an expected amount or standard.
Fehlen: The absence of a needed thing or person.
Nachteil: A disadvantage or loss caused by a situation or condition.

Definition in German

Ein Mangel oder Nachteil, besonders ein fehlender Aspekt, der etwas unvollständig oder weniger gut macht.

Word origin

Manko comes through Italian manco, meaning a lack or defect, from Latin mancus, meaning maimed or defective.

Usage tips

  • Manko is neuter, so the forms are das Manko and die Mankos.

Other meanings

  • weaknessnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word