wanting

[won-ting, wawn-]

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.

preposition

1. lacking; without.

   a box wanting a lid.

2. less; minus.

   a century wanting three years.

wanting

/ ˈwɒntɪŋ /

adjective

1. lacking or absent; missing

2. not meeting requirements or expectations

   you have been found wanting

preposition

1. without

2. archaic,  minus

Word History and Origins

Origin of wanting¹

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

Example Sentences

The away attendance is 185, higher than usual, partly swelled by those enticed by the novelty of the journey and the presence of a few neutral groundhoppers wanting to be part of history.

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"I'm finding more and more celebrities wanting shoes for free, which is just killing shoemakers like me," said Francis.

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He left school at 16 and, not being interested in university and wanting to stay in mid Wales, started cleaning windows.

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Federline denies having an ulterior motive beyond wanting to finally share his side of this infamous saga.

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But one L.A. singer managed to get her song played millions of times on TikTok with a clever strategy that has everyone wanting to be a part of ‘Group 7.’

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• deficient 
• unfulfilled