for (the) want of

phrase

: because of not having (something) : because (something) does not exist or is not available
For want of a better name, let's call it "Operation One."
People are dying for want of medical treatment.
The project failed for the want of adequate funding.

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Cite this Entry

“For (the) want of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/for%20%28the%29%20want%20of. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

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