51Թ

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View synonyms for

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: , , , , , ,

    Antonyms:

  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: ,

  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. to be short of or deficient in:

    What he lacks in brains, he makes up for in brawn.

lack

/ æ /

noun

  1. an insufficiency, shortage, or absence of something required or desired
  2. something that is required but is absent or in short supply
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. whenintr, often foll by in or for to be deficient (in) or have need (of)

    to lack purpose

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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51Թ 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 “dھԳ”
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of lack1

C12: related to Middle Dutch laken to be wanting
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

There has been huge speculation about the future of Jack Grealish, who admitted this week he has been frustrated at his lack of Premier League starts.

From

The authorities later said – after the BBC reported the story – that he had been deported because he lacked accreditation.

From

"There's a lack of policy regarding the environmental impacts of these megaconstellations," Dr. Connor Barker, a research fellow in atmospheric chemistry and physical geography at University College London, told Salon in a video interview.

From

District Judge Orla Austin told the court of the defendant: "She lacks insight that her presence could have a detrimental effect on the women attending the clinic, their associates, staff and members of the public."

From

Ms Loomer reportedly urged Trump to fire specific employees whom she suspected lacked support for his agenda.

From

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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 .

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