Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

wanting

[won-ting, wawn-] / ˈwɒn tɪŋ, ˈwɔn- /
ADJECTIVE
lacking, inadequate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
deficient unfulfilled
STRONG
absent bankrupt cooked deprived disappointing empty failing gone missing needed omitted scant short shy
WEAK
away bereft burned out cut off defective destitute devoid faulty half-baked imperfect in default incomplete inferior less minus not good enough not up to par out of gas patchy poor scanty scarce sketchy substandard too little too late unsound
Antonyms
STRONG
adequate enough existing present sufficient
WEAK
perfect satisfactory

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.

Companies wanting to take part must undergo a special authorisation process, including to rule out any Russian ties, before they can purchase weapons and train their staff.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Some say it’s unfair to be taxed for not wanting to rent or occupy a home full time.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

Even worse than not wanting to be intimate with me, Cassandra didn’t want to go out to dinner with me either, because of my carb-watching.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

“They’re wanting research, clinical trials. They’re wanting a certain amount of certitude that, frankly, is appropriate for most drugs, but not for this moment.”

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

I took another step back, suddenly shivering, holding my hands under my shawl, wanting to run, wanting to go to my own house and be safe.

From "Nory Ryan’s Song" by Patricia Reilly Giff