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
Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 26 Mar. 2025
That includes the lack of affordable housing, rising health care costs and many residents lacking the resources necessary to access supermarkets and other places where healthy foods are available.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2025
Matthew Fairburn, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025
For many parts of the U.S., banishing cars simply isn’t realistic in the absence of comprehensive public transportation and high-density redesigns that often lack political or taxpayer backing.
—Megha Satyanarayana, Scientific American, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lack
Noun
Note that not a single member involved in the texting fiasco, including at least one top official who appears to have participated while traveling in Russia, was sensible enough to question their collective lack of operational security.
—Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 26 Mar. 2025
That includes the lack of affordable housing, rising health care costs and many residents lacking the resources necessary to access supermarkets and other places where healthy foods are available.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
Bad luck has been mixed into some of the Sabres’ low moments, but the recurring theme is a team that lacks situational awareness and maturity.
—Matthew Fairburn, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025
For many parts of the U.S., banishing cars simply isn’t realistic in the absence of comprehensive public transportation and high-density redesigns that often lack political or taxpayer backing.
—Megha Satyanarayana, Scientific American, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lack
Noun
-
Lewis-Skelly has been the Premier League’s outstanding Englishman at left-back since breaking through in December (particularly in the absence of Lewis Hall) and deserves to be considered Tuchel’s primary option at that position.—
Steve Madeley,
The Athletic,
20 Mar. 2025
-
More often, people make informal assessments or base it on cultural fit or like-me bias in the absence of objective metrics.—
Julie Kratz,
Forbes,
19 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Analysis by the think tank outlines how despite Putin's record spending, Russia's military industrial complex (MIC) is still beset by labor and component shortages, a collapse in arms exports and difficulties in modernizing.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
21 Mar. 2025
-
The cybersecurity industry is facing a critical shortage of skilled professionals as threats from nation-state actors and cybercriminals escalate fueled by easy access to AI tools.—
Emil Sayegh,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Archway Homes sets a closing date that will meet the sellers’ needs.—
Archway Homes,
Kansas City Star,
23 Mar. 2025
-
Viney stressed the urgent need for a wider range of options to accommodate the circumstances of today's students.—
Dan Fitzpatrick,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
But the supplement is mostly a supportive treatment in children with vitamin deficiencies, and taking too much can cause toxicity.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
20 Mar. 2025
-
However, vitamin deficiencies can negatively affect hair health.1 Foods high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, fat-soluble vitamins, and B-complex vitamins—such as leafy greens, eggs, and fatty fish—aid hair growth.2 1.—
Julie Marks,
Verywell Health,
20 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
That included claims that Dorit's estranged husband, Paul Kemsley, had staged their 2021 home invasion in which Dorit begged for the safety of their children's lives as she was held at gunpoint.—
Dave Quinn,
People.com,
26 Mar. 2025
-
But like my friend who only visits any place once for a peek, those sights may not beg a second visit.—
John Mariani,
Forbes.com,
26 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The Sheriff’s Department asked anyone with information about the incident to call the homicide bureau at (323) 890-5500.—
Dakota Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Mar. 2025
-
The suspect, Steven Hannah, was still inside the home, and refused to exit when officers asked him to, officials said.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Why does the club insist on rebuilding via purchasing players as opposed to harnessing the talents of academy players instead?—
Sam Lee,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
-
The Dutchman was constantly shoehorned into an attacking midfield role that doesn’t bring out his best characteristics, yet Motta insisted on deploying him there.—
Emmet Gates,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Le Bon Marché has forged a powerful Parisian identity, blending creativity, exacting professionalism and a unique customer experience.—
Joelle Diderich,
Footwear News,
28 Mar. 2025
-
Arkansas is coming off one of the best wins of the tournament, as head coach John Calipari exacted a little revenge on longtime foe Rick Pitino and the St. John’s Red Storm with an upset win.—
Rohan Nadkarni,
NBC news,
27 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lack. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share