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.

The Conservatives have spoken about wanting to establish a "national pothole patrol", which involves deploying specialist repair units using "the most effective technology on the market".

From BBC • May 4, 2026

While his ownership stake in the company is larger than what it used to be, Musk has frequently discussed wanting to own even more — at least a quarter of Tesla’s shares.

From MarketWatch • May 1, 2026

“With all that event risk on the horizon a lot of participants will be wanting to pare down their positions,” he says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

“I think it sort of goes back to wanting to be in business with incredibly talented people,” Pakosta said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

Grandma’s table sat beside the donut cart, which only made my wanting worse.

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows

Vocabulary lists containing wanting

Nobody's Home: Synonyms For "Absent"

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Absent

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Lacking

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