Entry Word: want

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 the fact or state of being absent <for want of a nail, the horse's shoe was lost during the race> — see lack 1
2 a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number <there's a notable want of teachers in that rural school district> — see deficiency
3 a state of being without something necessary, desirable, or useful <those children are in want of some good discipline> — see need 1
4 the state of lacking sufficient money or material possessions <grew up in extreme want> — see poverty 1