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
Examples 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
Chris Morris, Fortune Asia, 5 Nov. 2024
The lack of development across the country has also kept prices high as the housing supply remains low.
—Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024
Nick Foulkes, theweek, 7 Nov. 2024
Meanwhile, a rough 2022 election cycle means many in the heavily conservative county lack confidence in the electoral system.
—Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lack 
Noun
The government has announced a raft of measures aimed at boosting activity, including rate cuts and the easing of some home purchasing restrictions, but analysts have bemoaned the lack of detail so far.
—Chris Morris, Fortune Asia, 5 Nov. 2024
The lack of development across the country has also kept prices high as the housing supply remains low.
—Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
Count Rudi provides the thread of continuity that life in the mid-2020s so frequently lacks.
—Nick Foulkes, theweek, 7 Nov. 2024
Meanwhile, a rough 2022 election cycle means many in the heavily conservative county lack confidence in the electoral system.
—Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lack
Noun
-
And someone other than Nikola Jokic was going to have to score to make up for Murray’s absence.Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024
-
In the absence of changes to entitlement spending, which Trump has promised not to make, the best way to afford necessary upgrades to U.S. defenses is to expand GDP with growth-friendly policies on taxes and regulation.Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 8 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
It is often assumed that, absent migration, low fertility will cause a country’s labor force to shrink, leading to shortages of workers, decreased productivity, and a diminishing tax base.Vegard Skirbekk, Foreign Affairs, 6 Nov. 2024
-
While staff shortages pose an enormous challenge, school districts remain legally obligated–regardless of resources—to educate students with disabilities.Emily Harvey, The Denver Post, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
For most of October, Sean Payton harped on his offense’s need to improve on third down.Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024
-
Donald Trump at the Latino Summit in October in Doral, Fla.Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images file Voters heard more about addressing those needs from Trump and Republicans, Martinez de Castro said.Suzanne Gamboa, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
The company identified deficiencies in its internal control structure, citing inadequate staffing and supervision within accounting operations as a primary concern.Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
-
But a fight in the Pacific is not the only scenario the United States must be prepared for (and, ideally, deter), and readiness in other arenas will require addressing other deficiencies.Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 8 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
Whoopi Goldberg begs for it Georgia NAACP president warns against election interference; says voter suppression happening now Joe Rogan endorses Donald Trump, praises Elon Musk: Watch Will Trump or Harris win?The Hill, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024
-
Finally, as Chairwoman Tanya Lewis said, the tribe wrote letters begging the government for some land.Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
Angst-alleviating initiatives include free park-and-ride shuttle service to trailheads and the Sedona Cares Challenge, which asks visitors to agree to nine ways to help preserve Red Rock Country’s natural beauty, like not forging your own trails and packing out your trash.Erin Strout, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
-
If the question is asked in a friendly way, most people will answer in the same vein.Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
Despite Jesse Palmer’s suspicions, Jonathan insists he’s never done a striptease professionally.Alice Burton, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024
-
The company says the service analyzes video, dialogue and subtitles to generate detailed — but spoiler-free, Amazon insists — descriptions of key plot points and events.Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
Cramer notes that manufacturing the glass to meet his exacting standards was initially difficult.Rachel King, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
-
Advertisement Sally Jacobs’ botanical art L.A. botanical artist Sally Jacobs does exacting, exquisite renderings of all things botanical, from gorgeous flowers to the gnarly details of a celery root to the rich Renaissance-style details of a turban squash (above).Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024
Articles Related to lack
Thesaurus Entries Near lack
Cite this Entry
“Lack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lack. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share