Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
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.

See Examples For:

The researchers note that this lack of representation makes it more difficult to understand how dementia risk develops over time and to identify prevention strategies that may work effectively for everyone.

From Science Daily Aug. 16, 2026

Lawmakers have expressed concern in recent days about reports detailing a lack of fresh food and personal supplies aboard the carrier, as well as plumbing backups and mental-health problems.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 15, 2026

I only manage to stay in the post for one year and nine months, taken out - somewhat ironically given my actual job - by a complete lack of trust by the press.

From BBC Aug. 15, 2026

The surge in demand for high-tech equipment and lack of supply briefly raised prices.

From MarketWatch Aug. 15, 2026

Despite the lack of elbow room, they were busy tossing torn bits of paper over the side, creating a steady rain of confetti onto the "greatest and most significant" parade in New York City's history.

From Nazi Saboteurs by Samantha Seiple

When easyJet lacks staff at an airport, they are called in from another base, which must then fill its own gaps, said Bourdon.

From Barron's Aug. 15, 2026

CNN inexplicably settles for photos over video way too often and races through so many touchstones that the series often lacks sports context.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 13, 2026

It lacks Saudi Arabia’s oil reserves, Turkey’s relatively developed industrial base, and South Korea’s advanced technology and soft power.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 12, 2026

It was chosen because this animal’s femur lacks a crest or raised bony protrusion – known as a trochanter – where part of the tail musculature would attach.

From Science Daily Aug. 10, 2026

“We know what Fudge is. It’s Arthur’s fondness for Muggles that has held him back at the Ministry all these years. Fudge thinks he lacks proper Wizarding pride.”

From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling

But Guessos said that young people in the country lacked places "where they can express their frustrations, defend their rights and take part".

From Barron's Aug. 15, 2026

Leavitt lacked the understanding, intelligence or inclination to manage the situation.

From Salon Aug. 14, 2026

Some cells were healthy, some lacked one copy of TBX5, and others lacked both copies.

From Science Daily Aug. 13, 2026

But the gas also created tactical challenges, since many patrol and Metropolitan Division officers lacked protective masks, increasing their risk of exposure.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 12, 2026

Whatever else she lacked Medea had plenty of intelligence.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

"If you feel like it's a bit lacking," Jason says, "then, why not?"

From BBC Aug. 15, 2026

They found that mice lacking CRH receptor 1 produced more OPCs during the early stages of development.

From Science Daily Aug. 14, 2026

The then-hypothetical facility had been a critical contingency for Riley, who never toured USC’s facilities, but knew — like most people around college football — that the Trojans were seriously lacking in that department.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 7, 2026

Common — and valid — reasons for declining include living far away, health issues, conflicts of interest and/or merely lacking the time or ability to manage the estate, the law firm adds.

From MarketWatch Aug. 1, 2026

I didn’t realize, until this moment, just how lacking I am in both, at least when it comes to the race stuff.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold




Vocabulary lists containing lack


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Join 12,000,000 vocabulary learners

Start learning new words today on VocabTrainer.
You'll remember them forever.

Start training