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Definitions

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

“We love liberty and love a lack of regulation,” said Greg Harrell, chair of the Hood County GOP, at a town hall earlier this year.

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026

But a lack of seeds and other food for mice might mean that prey dwindles over time.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

The company amended its IPO prospectus this week to warn investors that access to water—or lack thereof—is becoming a concern for the company.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

This lack of civic-mindedness was discouraging, yet Penelope made another attempt.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood




Vocabulary lists containing lack


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