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
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Recent Examples of lack
Ian King, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2026
The price bump is tied to the world’s access to the Strait of Hormuz, or the lack thereof.
—David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 22 Apr. 2026
CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2026
The Lyrids are known for producing bright, fast-moving meteors that tend to lack persistent trails, but have the potential to spawn spectacular fireballs as larger chunks of Comet Thatcher smash into Earth's atmosphere.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lack
Noun
Old arguments That lack of money — reportedly a £28 billion funding shortfall over the next decade — is not new.
—Ian King, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2026
The price bump is tied to the world’s access to the Strait of Hormuz, or the lack thereof.
—David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
Unlike official sanitation workers, informal workers often lack basic safety gear like boots, gloves and masks.
—CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2026
The Lyrids are known for producing bright, fast-moving meteors that tend to lack persistent trails, but have the potential to spawn spectacular fireballs as larger chunks of Comet Thatcher smash into Earth's atmosphere.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lack
Noun
-
The Lakers' injury woes remain dire, but Marcus Smart had six points and seven assists against Phoenix in his return from a nine-game injury absence.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Braves manager Walt Weiss slotted Dubón in center not only because of Harris’ absence, but also because outfielder Eli White is dealing with plantar fasciitis and is day-to-day.—
Chad Bishop,
AJC.com,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
As the Department of Transportation faced criticism for widespread flight delays caused by a shortage of air traffic controllers amid a government shutdown in 2025, Duffy appeared at a campaign event for his son.—
Robert Schmad,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Apr. 2026
-
With a smorgasbord of food deals from local and national chains to choose from, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The need for all these gimmicks is something that Margo didn’t initially realize.—
Jennifer Wilson,
New Yorker,
12 Apr. 2026
-
With no pressing need for FX, sets, name actors or stunts, just about anyone could make a marketable knockoff.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Given Luna’s physical deficiencies, the system relies on human employees to prepare the shop and interact with customers.—
David Ingram,
NBC news,
11 Apr. 2026
-
His athletic deficiencies show up in pass protection.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
At the end of regret-flow plotlines, husbands tend to beg their wives for forgiveness by dropping to their knees.—
Chang Che,
New Yorker,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Rollins stormed off the set, leaving Brandt and the rest of his co-hosts stunned, with the latter begging the former to return and finish his segment.—
Austin Perry OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Oh, and one angler at the summit asked the DNR about artificial intelligence, which younger tournament anglers are already using to great success.—
Mike McFeely,
Twin Cities,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Arenas asked Thursday during a county committee meeting on child welfare with several department leaders sitting on the dais.—
Julia Prodis Sulek,
Mercury News,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Yet to a man, those who endured last season and remained insist this has been better, even as the standings tell an all-too-familiar story.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Israeli forces have continued strikes on Hezbollah as Iran insists a broader ceasefire includes an end to Israeli strikes in Lebanon.—
Dalia Abdelwahab,
CNN Money,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
And the Knicks better be ready, ready for the Celtics to attempt to exact some revenge for the way things ended a season ago.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Yet the psychological impact — on local populations, on the economy of metropolitan Dubai, on the commercial shipping sector and the oil market — has proven Iran is capable of exacting greater pain than its conventional military capabilities would suggest.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lack. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
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