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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.

Emphasis on the singular “chip” and the lack of the word “bag.”

From Salon • May 17, 2026

Some of this has been attributed to Latinos being a younger demographic, immigration status and a lack of voter history in the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2026

A group of skeptical vets have argued that a similar push was denied a decade ago for lack of scientific evidence, and that nothing has changed since.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026

Smaller firms often lack the ability to hedge currency risks.

From Barron's • May 17, 2026

“What’s outrageous, sir, is your lack of organization. I’ve made dramatic improvements to your pencil tray.”

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin




Vocabulary lists containing lack


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