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
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
David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2025
Outside of Smart, the Lakers certainly lack in that department.
—Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 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
Boats lack these safety features.
—David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2025
Outside of Smart, the Lakers certainly lack in that department.
—Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 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
-
Part of me has to lie—part of me has to die—to satisfy someone else’s need for their language to fit.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Additionally, 84% of executives believe AI will significantly enhance their ability to respond rapidly to market trends, disruptions, and evolving customer needs.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
However, specific groups may be particularly vulnerable to deficiency, and the consequences can be significant.—
Heather Jones,
Verywell Health,
23 Oct. 2025
-
That has allowed the Dodgers to hide their deficiencies in the bullpen – and ask less of their offense.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
23 Oct. 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
-
Still, local lore, including online discussion threads, insists that the wise guy looms above the pews.—
Susan Mulcahy,
New Yorker,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Every government, donor, and institution has a role to play by funding the response, supporting recovery, and insisting that aid and education flow freely.—
Catherine Russell,
Time,
3 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 8 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share