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 effect is to both tear and balance our allegiance between wanting Robbie to get away clean and rooting for the man chasing him.

From Salon

"It sounds silly but I was wanting the diagnosis because it was getting played down. It was making me feel like it wasn't what it was," he said.

From BBC

Over the years, Ubaldini says he’s gotten offers from a number of small indie labels wanting to put out some of the Earwigs’ old singles.

From Los Angeles Times

Spurs have previously spoken about wanting to close the gap on the top clubs in the WSL but they lost ground last season and have acted slowly this summer.

From BBC

Hudler sprinted off the field, ignoring teammates wanting to high-five him in the dugout for saving two runs, and into the visiting clubhouse, where he stashed the ball in his locker for safekeeping.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• deficient 
• unfulfilled