lack

verb

\ˈlak

lacked; lacking; lacks

Definition of lack

(Entry 1 of 2)

intransitive verb

1 : to be deficient or missing time is lacking for a full explanation

2 : to be short or have need of something he will not lack for advisers The area does not lack for good restaurants.

transitive verb

: to stand in need of : suffer from the absence or deficiency of lack the necessities of life She lacked confidence.

lack

noun

Definition of lack (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : the fact or state of being wanting or deficient a lack of evidence

2 : something that is lacking or is needed

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about lack

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Synonyms & Antonyms for lack

Synonyms: Noun

absence, dearth, want

Antonyms: Noun

presence

Examples of lack in a Sentence

Verb

His book lacks any coherent structure. They lack a good strategy for winning the election. This painting lacks any artistic value. She has never been accused of lacking confidence. Many of these people lack the basic necessities of life.

Noun

The problem is a lack of money. She has been suffering from a lack of sleep lately. Her problem is lack of sleep.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Besides, incentives to adopt new protocols were lacking. — The Economist, "Raiders of the killer dappBlockchain technology may offer a way to re-decentralise the internet," 28 June 2018 Mr Macron’s detractors accuse him of lacking ideology, or political clarity. — The Economist, "Emmanuel Macron’s popularity hits a new low," 12 July 2018 Agents said then that Brown could face a misdemeanor charge carrying up to six months in jail for lacking a permit for the primate. — Billboard Staff, Billboard, "Chris Brown Arrested After Concert in Florida," 6 July 2018 Barrios' actions were rash and needless, showing the player to have a nasty and aggressive side - but that is also a trait and kind of player Tottenham have been accused of lacking in recent seasons. — SI.com, "Spurs Fans Applaud Potential Signing Wilmar Barrios Following Jordan Henderson Headbutt," 4 July 2018 Throughout his more than three decades on the Court, Justice Kennedy has been criticized — sometimes virulently — for alleged inconsistencies in his opinions and for lacking a clear vision of the Constitution and a coherent interpretative method. — Nancy L. Combs, Vox, "An optimist and yet a realist: a former clerk to Justice Kennedy considers his legacy," 30 June 2018 While police typically don't go after junior lemonade vendors for lacking the proper papers, there are exceptions. — Kate Gibson, CBS News, "Your kid busted for selling lemonade? Country Time wants to help," 13 June 2018 Spotless execution could forgive some of these appropriations, but that was lacking across my multiple visits timed about a month apart. — Mark Kurlyandchik, Detroit Free Press, "Restaurant Review: Detroit's Empire Kitchen & Cocktails has no clothes," 12 July 2018 Yet, even with the socialists’ doctrinal commitment, the party’s actual record of fighting for women’s equality and inclusion was lacking. — Olivia Campbell, Smithsonian, "The Historical Struggle to Rid Socialism of Sexism," 12 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Usually these character’s storylines were about the struggles of being overweight which was the source of their lack of confidence, depression, and undesirability. — Britney Young, Glamour, "Before GLOW, There Was Never a Character Who Truly Felt Like Me," 29 June 2018 Maybe my problem was a simple lack of understanding. — Dugan Arnett, BostonGlobe.com, "What happened when a soccer skeptic sat through a World Cup match," 11 July 2018 The expansion of the pipeline comes as crude oil pipelines leaving West Texas have filled up due to a lack of construction and continued production increases in the Permian. — Rye Druzin, Houston Chronicle, "West Texas company to build large Permian pipeline system," 11 July 2018 The mood among investors has soured on Europe and there is a lack of confidence in the region as the economic and political promise of last year has faded, says Adam Laird, head of ETF strategy in Northern Europe for Lyxor Asset Management. — Tanzeel Akhtar, WSJ, "European-Stock ETFs Absorb Outflows Triggered by Italy," 8 July 2018 Jane and Kat encourage Sutton to pursue her dream of working in the fashion department despite her lack of experience. — Bethonie Butler, chicagotribune.com, "Why it matters that the women on 'Younger' and 'The Bold Type' focus on careers as much as dating," 14 July 2018 Analyst Stacey Rasgon at Bernstein Research also found the move surprising and criticized the company for its lack of availability. — Aaron Pressman, Fortune, "Why Broadcom's Stock Is Crashing," 12 July 2018 Young leads a life notorious among the 49ers for its lack of ostentation. — Johnny Miller, SFChronicle.com, "5 years, $26 million for QB Young," 12 July 2018 Warren County officials have long boasted about being frugal with taxpayer money, and the county made national news earlier this decade for its lack of debt. — Keith Bierygolick, Cincinnati.com, "Addicted, abused and unable to count: a federal lawsuit about damaged kids in Warren County," 12 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lack.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.