lack

1 of 2

verb

ˈlak 

lacked; lacking; lacks

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

2 of 2

noun

1

: the fact or state of being wanting or deficient

a lack of evidence

2

: something that is lacking or is needed

Synonyms

Noun

• absence
• dearth
• want

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

Low-quality materials may also lack durability, leading to the bummer (and costly) situation of a shorter mattress lifespan. —Suzy Forman, SELF, 14 Oct. 2024

The state law aims to make voting available for people who might lack transportation to a polling place or who are confined to a long-term care setting, among other circumstances. —Cleo Krejci, Journal Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2024

Noun

However, experts say the lack of potable water is the area's biggest concern. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 15 Oct. 2024

Compared to the outgoing Ultra-series Tele, the chief visual difference between the two will be the angled pickup selector knob, as well as the lack of a top binding. —New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English lak; akin to Middle Dutch lak lack, Old Norse lakr defective

First Known Use

Verb

12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing lack

• for lack of
• it is not for lack/want of trying
• lack of action
• lack thereof
• lack/want for nothing
• no lack of

Kids Definition

lack

1 of 2 verb

ˈlak 

1

: to be missing

2

: to need, want, or be short of

lacks money

lack

2 of 2 noun

1

: the fact or state of being absent or in short supply

2

: something that is lacking or is needed