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

In Pearson’s assessment, many Democrats in Congress, even those looking to pivot to a more economic populist message after 2024, lack the language and credibility to deliver that message effectively.

From Salon

Prosecutor Adrian Stalker said his driving had been dangerous and was "not just a lack of judgement or momentary inattention".

From BBC

Uefa said it consulted stakeholders and found "widespread lack of support" for league matches to be played abroad, echoing concerns raised by fans, other leagues, clubs, players and European institutions.

From BBC

Calm, of course, does not mean a lack of conviction.

From Los Angeles Times

District Judge Heather McShain ordered their release pending trial, citing their lack of criminal records.

From Salon

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.