lack 1 of 2

noun

Definition of lacknext
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

lack

2 of 2

verb

as in to hurt (for)

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of lack
Noun
The lack of clarity on what is considered most important can subsequently enable a maintenance backlog. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026 Sporting’s lack of transactional activity — not just for profit, but within MLS over the last decade — has significantly hampered the organization’s ability to build that GAM coffer over time. — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
The disease increasingly impacts non-smoking women, and current screening methods often detect small lung nodules that lack precise, minimally invasive treatment options. — Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 On the flip side, recruiters see resumes stacked with keywords for candidates that lack relevant experience. — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lack
  1. absence
  2. shortage
  3. need
  4. beg
  5. deficiency
  6. ask
  7. insist
  8. exact
Noun
  • Will Smith will be returning this week after a prolonged absence, and that will help, but not enough.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Furthermore, passive systems increase network survivability due to the absence of a distinctive identification.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of absence
Noun
  • Due to brass shortages, some knives had to be made with wooden handles, out of compressed leather washers, or bakelite plastic.
    — David Szondy August 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Some allege that the government has engineered fuel shortages to make an agreement unavoidable, others go further, accusing moderates of staging a coup.
    — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of shortage
Noun
  • Errands, chores, or work needs may bump against your desire for ease, beauty, or personal space.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The various configurations allow the property to accommodate a range of needs, budgets, and even levels of privacy, making the experience that much more customizable.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of need
Verb
  • Gianni Infantino went from immovable king of football to touring the world, begging people for support.
    — Nick Miller, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • But this begs the parallel question of what the current museum architecture arises from and reflects, and why the oceanic and the oligarchic logics of the museum’s reformation now travel together here.
    — George Baker, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of beg
Noun
  • Defensively, the Lions have shown improvement but still have some deficiencies.
    — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
  • There were also no deficiencies in communication with other helicopters in contact with DCA’s traffic control tower.
    — Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of deficiency
Verb
  • However, the Raiders will be asking a lot of Eichenberg and Lindenberg if either starter goes down.
    — Sam Warren, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Anyone with information about the stabbing is asked to contact the Fort Worth Police Department at 817-392-4330.
    — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of ask
Verb
  • The secretary insisted he is focused on leading the War Department.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Alongside workers’ rights organization Arise Chicago and community organizing group Communities United, workers are now stepping forward to insist that the business give them their due — in full.
    — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of insist
Verb
  • Jordan may wish to exact revenge, and Eddy may want to find one of the victims who has vanished, but both have to go about their work furtively.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Economic analysts have told CNN that targeting these banks and Chinese companies would be crucial to exacting a major toll on Iran’s economy.
    — Mustafa Qadri, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of exact

Browse Nearby Words

lacings
lack
lackadaisical
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Cite this Entry

“Lack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lack. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on lack

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lack

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