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lack

[lak] / læk /




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.

“There’s just a big lack of choice between $30,000 and $40,000,” Sparks said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

It’s been a magnet for developers because of the cheap land, available power, fiber lines and, importantly, its lack of local business restrictions.

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026

Music fan Alex Milsom tells BBC Newsbeat the festival did warn that rain was forecast, but says there was a lack of communication during the day.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

The lack of reporters means “60 Minutes” will have to line up new talent quickly to fill the correspondent roles, as production of the 2026-27 season is already underway.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

“You have a lot of nerve criticizing my lack of ambition when my flexibility is the only reason the kids have rides to their activities and dinner on their plates every night,” she hissed.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison




Vocabulary lists containing lack


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