lack

1 of 2

verb

ˈlak 

lacked; lacking; lacks

intransitive verb

1

: to be deficient or missing

time is lacking for a full explanation

2

: to be short or have need of something

he will not lack for advisers

The area does not lack for good restaurants.

transitive verb

: to stand in need of : suffer from the absence or deficiency of

lack the necessities of life

She lacked confidence.

lack

2 of 2

noun

1

: the fact or state of being wanting or deficient

a lack of evidence

2

: something that is lacking or is needed

Synonyms

Noun

• absence
• dearth
• want

Examples of lack in a Sentence

Verb

His book lacks any coherent structure.

They lack a good strategy for winning the election.

This painting lacks any artistic value.

She has never been accused of lacking confidence.

Many of these people lack the basic necessities of life.

Noun

The problem is a lack of money.

She has been suffering from a lack of sleep lately.

Her problem is lack of sleep.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

For now, immigrants who lack legal status in the Denver area are rushing to apply for asylum, work permits, family petitions or citizenship in the hopes of protecting themselves from any initial deportation orders. —Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, The Denver Post, 12 Jan. 2025

That message is especially needed for younger players who lack experience in these high-pressure settings. —Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 11 Jan. 2025

Noun

The problem describes the apparent lack of high-luminosity progenitors detected in supernova pre-images, write the authors of a paper just submitted to The Astrophysical Journal. —Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025

In 2024, Iran exported 587 million barrels of oil, an increase of 10.75% compared to the previous year due to OPEC cuts and lack of sanctions enforcement. —Chris Massaro, Fox News, 13 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English lak; akin to Middle Dutch lak lack, Old Norse lakr defective

First Known Use

Verb

12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing lack

• for lack of
• it is not for lack/want of trying
• lack of action
• lack thereof
• lack/want for nothing
• no lack of

Kids Definition

lack

1 of 2 verb

ˈlak 

1

: to be missing

2

: to need, want, or be short of

lacks money

lack

2 of 2 noun

1

: the fact or state of being absent or in short supply

2

: something that is lacking or is needed