lack

[ lak ]

noun

1. an absence or inadequate amount of something needed, desirable, or customary:

   We had to severely limit our holiday gift shopping due to lack of funds.

   Lack of skill is the main reason he didn’t get the job.

   Synonyms: need, want, insufficiency, deficit, paucity, scarcity, dearth

   Antonyms: surplus

2. something missing or needed:

   After he left, they really felt the lack.

verb (used with object)

1. to be without or deficient in:

   She wants to become an actor, but unfortunately she lacks ability.

   Many of the villagers lacked even the basic necessities of life.

   Synonyms: need, want

2. to fall short of a target or requirement by (a particular amount):

   He lacks three votes to win.

verb (used without object)

1. to be absent or missing, as something needed or desirable:

   Three votes are lacking to make a majority.

verb phrase

1. to be short of or deficient in:

   What he lacks in brains, he makes up for in brawn.

lack

/ læk /

noun

1. an insufficiency, shortage, or absence of something required or desired
2. something that is required but is absent or in short supply

verb

1. whenintr, often foll by in or for to be deficient (in) or have need (of)

   to lack purpose

Word History and Origins

Origin of lack¹

First recorded in 1125–75; Middle English lak; cognate with Middle Low German lak, Middle Dutch lac “deficiency”; akin to Old Norse lakr “deficient”

Word History and Origins

Origin of lack¹

C12: related to Middle Dutch laken to be wanting

Example Sentences

"Each gene was like a single word. However, there was a piece of critical information lacking: transcription initiation sites for individual genes."

From Science Daily

It also said "some departments appeared to lack central tracking systems" for appointments, and identified two "technical" breaches of the recruitment principles relating to record keeping issues.

From BBC

He conceded that “the evidence in this case is very good that Laken Riley was murdered", but he said proof connecting his client to Ms Riley's death was "lacking”.

From BBC

He also accused the Home Office of a “total lack of transparency”, saying local authorities were not being consulted.

From BBC

Lucy and Matt Roberts paid £300 for 10 sessions for their seven-year-old daughter Willow, who “lives and breathes” football but sometimes lacked confidence.

From BBC

Related Words

• absence
• dearth
• inadequacy
• loss
• paucity
• poverty
• reduction
• scarcity
• shortage
• shortcoming
• shortfall

When To Use

What are other ways to say lack?

To lack something is to be without or deficient in it. How does lack compare to synonyms want, need, and require? Find out on Thesaurus.com.