defect vs shortcoming

defect and shortcoming both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
defect	Yes	No	Yes	No
shortcoming	Yes	No	No	No

As nouns, defect and shortcoming are synonyms defined as:

defect (noun)	shortcoming (noun)
a mark or flaw that spoils the appearance of something (especially on a person's body)	a failing or deficiency
a failing or deficiency
an imperfection in an object or machine
an imperfection in a bodily system

defect (verb)	shortcoming (verb)
desert (a cause, a country or an army), often in order to join the opposing cause, country, or army