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 belief among a decent number of F1 insiders is that McLaren are favouring Norris this year, but not wanting to admit it publicly.

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Back in late July, he acknowledged wanting to go to the NFL if he put together a successful season.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In fact, it specializes in “mid,” or “gourmet cheeseburger,” TV, shows that look sharp, have a great cast, a killer setup…yet still leave you wanting just a bit more.

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WhatsApp, which boasts almost 100 million users in the country, accused Russia of wanting to ban it because it is "secure".

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She said she was "bombarded with messages from the community wanting to help", and within hours a visit was arranged.

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Related Words

• deficient 
• unfulfilled