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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.

Compounding the problem is a teenager’s lack of financial resources, Malkin added.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

The lack of cases has allowed egg companies to rebuild their flocks, sending egg prices plummeting for consumers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Zumthor also seemed deeply pleased with the moment, saying, “I’ve always been happy,” and emphasized that working in L.A. taught him to embrace a certain frontier-like lack of refinement.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

“Bitcoin doesn’t need more reasons to go higher. Investors just need a lack of reasons to sell.”

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

With a distinct lack of enthusiasm, Cassiopeia showed Lady Constance the pillow she had made.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

Vocabulary lists containing lack

Zilch, Zip, Nada: Words For Nothing

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ACT Vocabulary List

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Nobody's Home: Synonyms For "Absent"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!