lacking

[ lak-ing ]

preposition

1. being without; not having; wanting; less:

   Lacking equipment, the laboratory couldn't undertake the research project.

adjective

1. wanting; deficient:

   He was found lacking in stamina.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lacking¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; lack + -ing ²

Example Sentences

He adds that Band Aid’s swift action as a "first responder" encourages others to donate where funds are lacking, especially in northern Ethiopia, which is once again emerging from a civil war.

From BBC

When exposed to the virus, the liver cells lacking PDAP1 were unable to support its replication.

From Science Daily

While earlier studies of play in wild adult chimpanzees had been lacking, they recognized that adult males and females in these groups play together regularly.

From Science Daily

At the moment, the setup is lacking sharpness and Duran’s late goals have been papering over cracks.

From BBC

Intellectual curiosity - even about steak preference was woefully lacking.

From Salon

Related Words

• flawed
• inadequate
• incomplete