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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of lack
Samuel O’Neal 9, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 June 2026
The savings have been significant, but Orrock is quick to emphasize that her decision to go the DIY route is not rooted in a lack of appreciation for professionals.
—Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
Kat Tretina, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026
Yet roughly half of Americans lack access to a retirement plan, leaving them to grapple with high gas prices and elevated inflation without the buffer of rising investment wealth.
—Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for lack
Noun
Ale Checka, a longtime Fort Worth ISD teacher and regular speaker at board meeting public comment sessions, pressed Hinojosa on the lack of oversight and awareness regarding the takeover of Fort Worth ISD from state lawmakers in Austin.
—Samuel O’Neal 9, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 June 2026
The savings have been significant, but Orrock is quick to emphasize that her decision to go the DIY route is not rooted in a lack of appreciation for professionals.
—Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
Verb
Older homes often lack the high-quality insulation used in modern homes, so your heating and cooling systems have to work harder.
—Kat Tretina, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026
Yet roughly half of Americans lack access to a retirement plan, leaving them to grapple with high gas prices and elevated inflation without the buffer of rising investment wealth.
—Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for lack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lack
Noun
-
But the offense has fared well so far in his absence.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
6 June 2026
-
Navratilova said Alcaraz’s absence, Sinner’s loss and the rest of the chaos changed the entire feel of the tournament.—
Dan Zaksheske OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
Tony & Tara Eiguren The great potato capital has no shortage of great Basque food either, thanks to a hearty diaspora and community members like Tony and Tara Eiguren.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
-
Beyond the direct threat posed by drones, Russians are facing growing fuel shortages as Ukraine’s strikes on oil refineries limit supply.—
Zahra Ullah,
CNN Money,
7 June 2026
Noun
-
The tool eliminates the need for traditional public health data reports and fact sheets, which are limited to specific time periods and health categories.—
Velvet Wu
June 5,
Sacbee.com,
6 June 2026
-
Consider starting a light brainstorm with a teammate, using a quick sketch to express needs before words get heavy.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 June 2026
Verb
-
What made Grande stick out back then was a limber voice that begged to be dressed in sounds that swing.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
-
In a story this complicated, where everyone from a little girl to a grown man from Boston is begging for their humanity, even Howard Stevens deserves some, too.—
Lyz Lenz,
Rolling Stone,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
From a defensive standpoint, each element would be a plus-defender with the exception of Powell, which should make this lineup much easier to mask the deficiencies of a negative-defender, such as the ones with Herro.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
6 June 2026
-
Research suggests that some nutrient deficiencies are more common in people with diabetes.—
Brianna Tobritzhofer,
Health,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
Arrest comes 40 years later Once they were done eating and interviewing Nash, the team asked him to go outside and look at some photos.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
5 June 2026
-
The police are asking anyone with additional information about this incident to contact the Robbery-Homicide Division, Valley Section, Dets.—
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
5 June 2026
Verb
-
Over the years, Beckham doubled down on having no regrets over the sarong, insisting past fashion choices were entirely his own.—
Sheena McKenzie,
CNN Money,
7 June 2026
-
According to Kahn, the editorial was published with a disclaimer, added by ADA leadership, insisting that the ADA had nothing to do with developing or writing the article.—
Jennifer Ouellette,
ArsTechnica,
6 June 2026
Verb
-
She was controlled, socially formidable, devout, exacting and sometimes devastatingly funny.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 June 2026
-
Liverpool, on the other hand, struggled to exact the necessary control to consistently win games with a more patient approach.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
5 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lack. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
