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. 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.

It's hard to imagine their opponents, Australia, suffering from the same chronic lack of self-conviction.

From

There’s also power in zucchini’s lack of bold flavors, making it a blank slate for home cooks and chefs alike to experiment with.

From

Aid supplies and the internet are vital for people in Gaza - the current lack of both lifelines is rendering their plight even more desperate.

From

He was accused of the murder in a Glasgow supermarket car park in 2010, but was later acquitted due to a lack of evidence.

From

Many Iranians are unhappy with the state of the economy, the lack of freedom of speech, women's rights, and minority rights.

From

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When To Use

What are other ways to saylack?

To lack something is to be without or deficient in it. How does lack compare to synonyms want, need, and require? Find out on Thesaurus.com. 

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