lack

1 of 2

verb

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
However, this is still a group that lacks even a single true top-pair defenseman. Harman Dayal, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025 Progressives have struggled to counteract that, lacking both the money and a clear storyline. David Weigel, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
The Dodgers’ bullpen remains a tightrope act The Dodgers had managed to go the first 17 innings of this series needing just one out from a traditional reliever, a sign not only of their starting pitching depth but also their lack of faith in a struggling bullpen. Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025 While the lack of benefits, risk of burnout and isolation are clear risks, Brown says the desire for flexibility is strong. Diane Brady, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lack

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of lack was in the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lack.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lack. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

lack

1 of 2 verb
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

More from Merriam-Webster on lack

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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