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
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Recent Examples of lack
Camila Domonoske, NPR, 31 Oct. 2025
Poor safety measures — including lack of smoke extraction, faulty alarms, inadequate staff training and missing sprinkler systems — allowed fumes to fill upper floors.
—CNN Money, 31 Oct. 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
So Ford still plans to move forward with a $30,000 electric pickup, despite the lack of federal tax credits or regulations that would encourage it.
—Camila Domonoske, NPR, 31 Oct. 2025
Poor safety measures — including lack of smoke extraction, faulty alarms, inadequate staff training and missing sprinkler systems — allowed fumes to fill upper floors.
—CNN Money, 31 Oct. 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
-
Stairwells and elevator shafts acted like chimneys, and the absence of emergency lighting, signage and alternative exits prevented the safe evacuation of the hotel’s 238 guests, the indictment said.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
31 Oct. 2025
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That streak continues here, but the real delight of this ostensible side project is Allison Crutchfield’s return to the mic after an extended absence, and the rebirth of a sibling rock band, apparently sans fistfights or cricket bats.—
Will Hermes,
Rolling Stone,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In addition to new tariffs and broader grocery inflation, experts say a global cocoa shortage tied to poor harvests and climate shifts in West Africa has sent cocoa prices soaring.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
29 Oct. 2025
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His theory is that while the opportunity in the digital space is booming, there is an industry shortage of skilled talent to capitalize.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
29 Oct. 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
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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
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This snappy set is begging to be paired with your fave sunglasses to create a mysteriously cool look this fall.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Oct. 2025
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Nessarose, who uses a wheelchair, is seen levitating after begging Elphaba to wield her magical powers to give her the ability to walk.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Following her passing, flags will be flown at half-mast for 30 days at government offices, state enterprises, and educational institutions, and government officials have been asked to wear mourning attire for a year, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).—
Michael Cappetta,
Travel + Leisure,
30 Oct. 2025
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Weekly Newsletter Audiences were asked to consider that the display of human difference was dehumanizing or even exploitative but also to understand that the sideshow represented a locus of community and a way for disabled performers to make an independent living.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Still, local lore, including online discussion threads, insists that the wise guy looms above the pews.—
Susan Mulcahy,
New Yorker,
3 Nov. 2025
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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
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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
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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 5 Nov. 2025.
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