lacks; lacked; lacking
: to not have (something)
His book lacks any coherent structure.
They lack a good strategy for winning the election.
This painting lacks any artistic value.
: to not have enough of (something)
She has never been accused of lacking confidence.
lack money
Many of these people lack the basic necessities of life.
(chiefly US)
—+ forThe area does not lack for good restaurants. [=the area has many good restaurants]
She does not lack for confidence.
: the state or condition of not having any or enough of something : the state or condition of lacking something
The problem is a lack of money.
a lack of experience
She has been suffering from a lack of sleep lately.
Her problem is lack of sleep.
There was no lack of interest in the proposal. [=there was much interest in the proposal]
His honesty, or lack thereof, is the real problem. [=the real problem is his lack of honesty]
They called it a comet, for lack of a better term/word. [=because they could not think of a better term/word for it]
Cite this Entry
“Lack.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/lack. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
Copy Citation
