1
as in absence
the fact or state of being absent
the lack of news about the fate of the soldiers was frustrating
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shortage
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number
the lack of eligible candidates for the jury kept the trial from getting started
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in need
a state of being without something necessary, desirable, or useful
the lack of fresh water at the campsite definitely would be a problem
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of lack
Deena Sabry, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
The papers were studying strokes in animals, and researchers not only found duplicate images but also a lack of follow-up research, another red flag pointing to baseless findings.
—Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 7 Nov. 2025
Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2025
For those who lack access to medical supervision, Kahler said, the safest course is to proceed with an agonizing level of caution.
—Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lack
Noun
The Miami court dismissed Sargeant’s countersuit, citing lack of jurisdiction, court records show.
—Deena Sabry, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
The papers were studying strokes in animals, and researchers not only found duplicate images but also a lack of follow-up research, another red flag pointing to baseless findings.
—Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
The trailer does lack a bathroom—which is disappointing, though not unexpected in the class—but a Joolca Hottap heated shower system is available as an add-on.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2025
For those who lack access to medical supervision, Kahler said, the safest course is to proceed with an agonizing level of caution.
—Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lack
Noun
-
In the absence of whales, sucker fish avoid predators by seeking other large creatures to latch onto, including manta rays, dolphins and unlucky scuba divers.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
8 Nov. 2025
-
As the project neared completion and after several years of absence, Peter Selz returned to reclaim his title of project director.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
When staffing shortages occur, the FAA will reduce the flow of air traffic to maintain safety.—
Joe Edwards,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Flights are being delayed and cancelled across the country because of airport staffing shortages.—
Chantelle Lee,
Time,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
According to the United Nations, Venezuela historically does not produce enough food to meet its needs, and many products must be imported from abroad and paid for in foreign currencies.—
Stefano Pozzebon,
CNN Money,
11 Nov. 2025
-
The Mavs are in desperate need of some good PR, and, at this point, their only move isn’t another PR person but to offer up a GM that the people cannot stand.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Mike Vrabel has breathed life into the New England Patriots, guiding them to a 7-2 start while riding a six-game winning streak despite fielding a roster that still has its fair share of deficiencies.—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Opponents raised concerns about the cost of new construction and long-term debt, arguing that renovations could have addressed the library’s deficiencies.—
Daniel Hunt,
Sacbee.com,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Comments begged Kennedy to explain what caused her relationship to end.—
Zoey Lyttle,
PEOPLE,
5 Nov. 2025
-
That begs the question of whether the Rockets need to upgrade at point guard, given their championship expectations.—
Ricardo Sandoval,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
There was no picture of Krasznahorkai anywhere and somebody came up to him and asked why?—
Fiction Non Fiction,
Literary Hub,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Hall, a first-term Republican from Rudy, has asked a judge to seal filings in the case.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Trump has long insisted that the election was rigged, despite there being no evidence of that.—
Michael Nied,
PEOPLE,
10 Nov. 2025
-
To get there, Puerto Ricans must demand transparency about military activities, insist on environmental justice, and hold accountable both local officials who enable this militarism and federal agencies that perpetuate it.—
Israel Melendez Ayala,
Time,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Plus, there are the damaging indiscriminate predatory tariffs that have been exacted on small, fragile nations, such as Lesotho and Laos.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Pulling it off would require trips to three different grocery stores and untold hours of exacting, minute tasks.—
Hannah Goldfield,
New Yorker,
3 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lack. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
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