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
Danny Villalobos, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2025
Several factors have contributed to the lack of air traffic controllers, Duffy said, including the Federal Aviation Administration‘s academy not reopening quickly after the COVID-19 pandemic and the academy’s trouble admitting younger people.
—Asher Notheis, The Washington Examiner, 13 May 2025
Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
Other regional powers like Iran and Saudi Arabia tried to step in during the latest crisis, but both lack the power clout of the U.S. or China.
—Farah N. Jan, The Conversation, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for lack
Noun
The result is a lack of options for extended families, working-class renters or seniors aging in place.
—Danny Villalobos, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2025
Several factors have contributed to the lack of air traffic controllers, Duffy said, including the Federal Aviation Administration‘s academy not reopening quickly after the COVID-19 pandemic and the academy’s trouble admitting younger people.
—Asher Notheis, The Washington Examiner, 13 May 2025
Verb
The Chicago area does not lack for holy Catholic sites.
—Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
Other regional powers like Iran and Saudi Arabia tried to step in during the latest crisis, but both lack the power clout of the U.S. or China.
—Farah N. Jan, The Conversation, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for lack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lack
Noun
-
Additionally, the absence of fire has allowed the development of dense understory vegetation which out compete shade intolerant oaks.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
3 May 2025
-
If the absence of Clyde promises to take some of the fun out of the Knicks’ future playoff runs, the ramifications of the NBA’s new media deal will resonate far beyond New York.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
2 May 2025
Noun
-
For years, Democrats have tried to carve out loopholes in existing laws and promote new developments to address the housing shortage.—
Sandra McDonald,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2025
-
The Federal Aviation Administration faces a shortage of roughly 3,500 air traffic controllers, with staffing gaps affecting nearly every control tower.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
8 May 2025
Noun
-
Modular Furniture Modular furniture consists of individual sections, or modules, that can be arranged and rearranged in various configurations based on your needs and individual setup.—
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 May 2025
-
That’s not the only way Leo XIV echoed the voice of his predecessor, Like the late Pope Francis, Leo has also been a strong supporter of the need to confront the threats of climate change.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 May 2025
Noun
-
These common attacks are caused by security deficiencies, including Active Directory misconfigurations, weak password policies, permissive access rules and weak authentication mechanisms.—
Reuven Aronashvili,
Forbes.com,
7 May 2025
-
Due to the amount of sodium in the standard American diet, sodium deficiencies are quite rare.—
Angelica Bottaro,
Verywell Health,
7 May 2025
Verb
-
While Kardashian was begging for her life, the men rummaged through her belongings and stole roughly millions of dollars worth of jewelry from her.—
Caroline Blair,
People.com,
13 May 2025
-
This begs the question: Why is the city of San Diego proposing a monthly fee of $47.59?—
U T Readers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 May 2025
Verb
-
Here's why Cassie said Combs threatened to 'blow up' Kid Cudi's car During cross-examination, Ventura Fine was asked about her relationship with rapper Kid Cudi, whose real name is Scott Mescudi.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
-
That’s the question writer-director Ari Aster’s somber comedy-Western Eddington, playing in competition here at the Cannes Film Festival, appears to be asking.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
17 May 2025
Verb
-
During construction, Wright insisted that his design would perform, but on-site builders were less convinced and added more structural steel to the concrete slabs without the architect’s knowledge.—
Elizabeth Fazzare,
Architectural Digest,
15 May 2025
-
Sauer insisted that national injunctions were not the right mechanism for challenging Presidential orders like the one at issue in the case.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
15 May 2025
Verb
-
Many voters were not thrilled with Trump’s vows to exact revenge on his political enemies or pardon the Jan. 6 rioters.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
14 May 2025
-
The Cougars will now try to exact the same revenge on Western Washington, which has won 16 straight and is ranked eighth in the nation.—
Bill Center,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lack. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share