wanting

American  

[won-ting, wawn-] / ˈwɒn tɪŋ, ˈwɔn- /

adjective

1. lacking or absent.

   a motor with some of the parts wanting.

2. deficient in some part, thing, or respect.

   to be wanting in courtesy.

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preposition

1. lacking; without.

   a box wanting a lid.

2. less; minus.

   a century wanting three years.

wanting British  

/ ˈwɒntɪŋ /

adjective

1. lacking or absent; missing

2. not meeting requirements or expectations

   you have been found wanting

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preposition

1. without

2. archaic minus

Etymology

Origin of wanting

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English (adjective); want + -ing ²

Example Sentences

And you and I are about the same age and it’s something I grapple with a lot, wanting to be sure that I still have something meaningful to contribute.

From Los Angeles Times

Last spring, Realtor Teresa Fuller saw signs that the epic task of rebuilding Altadena could be a local affair, with potential buyers wanting to place a bet on the community’s future.

From Los Angeles Times

Biochar production generates carbon credits, which AMP can sell to companies wanting to make up for their own greenhouse gas emissions.

From The Wall Street Journal

In his attempts to articulate the rationale behind the operation, Rubio has left lawmakers wanting more information—and he has at times been contradicted by his boss.

From The Wall Street Journal

“This is something that people are anticipating and are coming into our streaming services for and really wanting to make a moment out of it.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• deficient
• unfulfilled