lack

[lak]

noun

1. an absence or inadequate amount of something needed, desirable, or customary.

   We had to severely limit our holiday gift shopping due to lack of funds.

   Lack of skill is the main reason he didn’t get the job.

   Synonyms: need, want, insufficiency, deficit, paucity, scarcity, dearth
   Antonyms: surplus

2. something missing or needed.

   After he left, they really felt the lack.

verb (used with object)

1. to be without or deficient in.

   She wants to become an actor, but unfortunately she lacks ability.

   Many of the villagers lacked even the basic necessities of life.

   Synonyms: need, want, want

2. to fall short of a target or requirement by (a particular amount).

   He lacks three votes to win.

verb (used without object)

1. to be absent or missing, as something needed or desirable.

   Three votes are lacking to make a majority.

verb phrase

1. lack in,  to be short of or deficient in.

   What he lacks in brains, he makes up for in brawn.

lack

/ læk /

noun

1. an insufficiency, shortage, or absence of something required or desired

2. something that is required but is absent or in short supply

verb

1. to be deficient (in) or have need (of)

   to lack purpose

Word History and Origins

Origin of lack¹

First recorded in 1125–75; Middle English lak; cognate with Middle Low German lak, Middle Dutch lac “deficiency”; akin to Old Norse lakr “deficient”

Word History and Origins

Origin of lack¹

C12: related to Middle Dutch laken to be wanting

Example Sentences

You couldn't accuse Manchester United's fans of lacking a sense of humour.

From BBC

It was swiftly removed by the National Park Service for lacking the right permit, though the group argues that political expression in public spaces is protected speech.

From Salon

Talk about a lack of will — the Rams came out like lambs against the 49ers.

From Los Angeles Times

Unpredictable meal times and lack of washroom facilities or changing rooms for women on some trains added to the challenges.

From BBC

When the charges were dismissed earlier this year for lack of evidence, Caroline said she was "indignant and disgusted".

From BBC

Related Words

• absence 
• dearth 
• inadequacy 
• loss 
• paucity 
• poverty 
• reduction 
• scarcity 
• shortage 
• shortcoming 
• shortfall 

When To Use

What are other ways to say lack?

To lack something is to be without or deficient in it. How does lack compare to synonyms want, need, and require? Find out on Thesaurus.com.