Definitions

lack

[lak] / læk /

NOUN

deficiency, need

Synonyms

STRONGEST

absence dearth inadequacy loss paucity poverty reduction scarcity shortage shortcoming shortfall

STRONG

abridgement curtailment decrease default defect deficit depletion deprivation destitution distress exigency exiguity inferiority insufficiency meagerness miss necessity privation retrenchment scantiness shortness shrinkage shrinking slightness stint want

WEAK

insufficience

Antonyms

STRONGEST

abundance affluence enough excess plenty success sufficiency

STRONG

addition advantage enlargement expansion increase perfection

WEAK

extra lot plethora profusion surplus

VERB

do not have

Synonyms

STRONGEST

need require want

STRONG

minus miss out

WEAK

be deficient in be short of be without have need of hurting for not got too little too late

Antonyms

STRONGEST

dislike have

Usage

What are other ways to say lack? The verb lack means to be without or to have less than a desirable quantity of something: to lack courage, sufficient money, enough members to make a quorum. Need often suggests urgency, stressing the necessity of supplying what is lacking: to need an operation, better food, a match to light the fire. Require, which expresses necessity as strongly as need, occurs most frequently in serious or formal contexts: Your presence at the hearing is required. Successful experimentation requires careful attention to detail.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

While some trusts run specific menopause clinics, others do not due to lack of funding.

From BBC

“We continue to see AI as an enabler for the future so when it comes time for M&A, we look at how we can improve our footprint where we’re lacking presence.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The alleged lack of response would fall directly on Ms. Rosemeyer’s shoulders as her deposition testimony indicates that she personally decides whether to dismiss or investigate formal complaints of unlawful discrimination.

From The Wall Street Journal

As a market and manufacturing base, India lacks the scale and sophistication to be a true substitute for China.

From The Wall Street Journal

It points to a shortage of criminal lawyers, poor administration and a longstanding lack of investment in court buildings and technology.

From BBC

lack

Usage

Example Sentences

Related Words