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View synonyms for

lack

[ lak ]

noun

  1. an absence or inadequate amount of something needed, desirable, or customary:

    We had to severely limit our holiday gift shopping due to lack of funds.

    Lack of skill is the main reason he didn’t get the job.

    Synonyms: , , , , , ,

    Antonyms:

  2. something missing or needed:

    After he left, they really felt the lack.



verb (used with object)

  1. to be without or deficient in:

    She wants to become an actor, but unfortunately she lacks ability.

    Many of the villagers lacked even the basic necessities of life.

    Synonyms: ,

  2. to fall short of a target or requirement by (a particular amount):

    He lacks three votes to win.

verb (used without object)

  1. to be absent or missing, as something needed or desirable:

    Three votes are lacking to make a majority.

verb phrase

  1. to be short of or deficient in:

    he lacks in brains, he makes up for in brawn.

lack

/ æ /

noun

  1. an insufficiency, shortage, or absence of something required or desired
  2. something that is required but is absent or in short supply
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. whenintr, often foll by in or for to be deficient (in) or have need (of)

    to lack purpose

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of lack1

First recorded in 1125–75; Middle English lak; cognate with Middle Low German lak, Middle Dutch lac “deficiency”; akin to Old Norse lakr “dھԳ”
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Word History and Origins

Origin of lack1

C12: related to Middle Dutch laken to be wanting
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

USC strength and conditioning coach Bennie Wylie is set to turn around USC’s culture which lacks toughness through his life lessons and football journey.

From

Ms Aylett noted there were still challenges within the sector due to the lack of long-term funding for projects that can support wellbeing.

From

A senior UN humanitarian official in Gaza warned "a lack of real accountability undermines international law and makes the world a more dangerous place".

From

However companies such as Adidas say the US lacks factories with the specialised equipment to make running shoes and workers with the knowledge to operate them.

From

Death comes by missile, by gunshot, by collapsed building, by lack of medicine and by fear.

From

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When To Use

are other ways to say lack?

To lack something is to be without or deficient in it. How does lack compare to synonyms want, need, and require? Find out on .

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