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: need, want, insufficiency, deficit, paucity, scarcity, dearth
   Antonyms: surplus

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: need, want, want

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. lack in,  to be short of or deficient in.

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

lack

/ læk /

noun

1. an insufficiency, shortage, or absence of something required or desired

2. something that is required but is absent or in short supply

verb

1. to be deficient (in) or have need (of)

   to lack purpose

Word 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 “deficient”

Word History and Origins

Origin of lack¹

C12: related to Middle Dutch laken to be wanting

Example Sentences

The tour’s rapturous reviews — and a notable lack of drama between the Gallaghers — cemented this as the must-see rock event of the year.

From Los Angeles Times

On the flip side, O’Brien’s Roman may not possess the sharpness of “the brightest tool in the shed” as he erroneously says, but his disarmingly endearing lack of malice enthralls the more cynical Dennis.

From Los Angeles Times

No person, be they an American president or a civilian critic, could make Oliphant put down his pen — though it wasn’t for lack of trying.

From Salon

Arsenal have always been capable of winning the title but have lacked consistency and were miles off it at the start of last year.

From BBC

I didn’t leave for lack of affection for the city.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• absence 
• dearth 
• inadequacy 
• loss 
• paucity 
• poverty 
• reduction 
• scarcity 
• shortage 
• shortcoming 
• shortfall 

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 Thesaurus.com.