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.

Public transport in Havana has been shut down because of lack of fuel while blackouts stretch for days at a time.

From The Wall Street Journal

He told MarketWatch that once the tech trade starts to deflate, even strength among defensive and cyclical names lacks the firepower to overcome the drag on the broader market.

From MarketWatch

This is a bizarre omission, even more so for its lack of explanation.

From The Wall Street Journal

He lacks the grit and, more importantly, the civic responsibility to improve the Post.

From Salon

Warm weather and a lack of snow forced the cancellation of seven of the first eight World Cup downhill and snowboard competitions in 2022-23.

From Los Angeles Times

lack

Usage

Example Sentences

Related Words