D&D's combat system has had this issue from the beginning. Everything is lumped together to being a single attack roll against a single defence number. There have been slight variants (50% miss chance and so on), but the main game was 'roll to hit AC X, no you miss. Next'. The GM might give you more information, such as the fact that the creature is flitting about the place or has a very tough hide, but you are still locked into one roll against one target number.
Other games, including the system I use most in tabletop, break the combat down. You roll to hit, the opponent has the opportunity to dodge/parry or block, the blow hits, and armour reduces the damage you inflict. Slightly slower and an extra dice roll, but it allows you to see where a failed attack broke down. You might need to improve your attack skill, the opponent might be too good in its defences for you to beat, or the armour might be too strong to do meaningful damage.
It also encourages smaller combats! The D&D system is better for facing multiple opponents, but I find it strangely unsatisfying when facing important foes. Aside from slowly whittling down the HP, there is little actual interaction.
I'll also mention that the system uses 3d6, so the probability of rolling median numbers is greatly increased.
