lack 1 of 2

noun

Definition of lacknext
1
as in absence
the fact or state of being absent the lack of news about the fate of the soldiers was frustrating

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shortage
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number the lack of eligible candidates for the jury kept the trial from getting started

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in need
a state of being without something necessary, desirable, or useful the lack of fresh water at the campsite definitely would be a problem

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

lack

2 of 2

verb

as in to hurt (for)

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of lack
Noun
Note that not a single member involved in the texting fiasco, including at least one top official who appears to have participated while traveling in Russia, was sensible enough to question their collective lack of operational security. — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 26 Mar. 2025 That includes the lack of affordable housing, rising health care costs and many residents lacking the resources necessary to access supermarkets and other places where healthy foods are available. — Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
Bad luck has been mixed into some of the Sabres’ low moments, but the recurring theme is a team that lacks situational awareness and maturity. — Matthew Fairburn, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025 For many parts of the U.S., banishing cars simply isn’t realistic in the absence of comprehensive public transportation and high-density redesigns that often lack political or taxpayer backing. — Megha Satyanarayana, Scientific American, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lack
  1. absence
  2. shortage
  3. need
  4. deficiency
  5. beg
  6. ask
  7. insist
  8. exact
Noun
  • But Watkins’ absence unquestionably hurts their chances.
    — Anne M. Peterson, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
  • In their absence, Laufey and The Milk Carton Kids got up onstage to cover their songs, respectively.
    — Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of absence
Noun
  • In 2021, as automakers tried to ramp up production that had been curtailed in the first year of the pandemic, a shortage of parts, most notably computer chips, cut into car production.
    — Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Aviation safety news: FAA to hire 2,000 air traffic controllers amid shortages, tightens Boeing oversightNeed a break?
    — David Shepardson, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of shortage
Noun
  • Archway Homes sets a closing date that will meet the sellers’ needs.
    — Archway Homes, Kansas City Star, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Viney stressed the urgent need for a wider range of options to accommodate the circumstances of today's students.
    — Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of need
Noun
  • Early signs of magnesium deficiency include fatigue, appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, and weakness.
    — Johna Burdeos, Health, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Korsakoff syndrome is a type of dementia that usually occurs as a late-stage effect of thiamine deficiency, especially if Wernicke encephalopathy is not treated.
    — Brigid Dwyer, Verywell Health, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of deficiency
Verb
  • But like my friend who only visits any place once for a peek, those sights may not beg a second visit.
    — John Mariani, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
  • That included claims that Dorit's estranged husband, Paul Kemsley, had staged their 2021 home invasion in which Dorit begged for the safety of their children's lives as she was held at gunpoint.
    — Dave Quinn, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of beg
Verb
  • The Sheriff’s Department asked anyone with information about the incident to call the homicide bureau at (323) 890-5500.
    — Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Netflix romances are an ideal launching pad for internet boyfriends — just ask Glen Powell.
    — Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Definition of ask
Verb
  • The government insisted there was no evidence that the AP had been harmed irreparably.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Public officials who insisted such efforts were impossible, in an instant, demonstrated that a cleaner, safer city was always within reach.
    — Carson Becker, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of insist
Verb
  • Le Bon Marché has forged a powerful Parisian identity, blending creativity, exacting professionalism and a unique customer experience.
    — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Arkansas is coming off one of the best wins of the tournament, as head coach John Calipari exacted a little revenge on longtime foe Rick Pitino and the St. John’s Red Storm with an upset win.
    — Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of exact

Browse Nearby Words

lacings
lack
lackadaisical
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Cite this Entry

“Lack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lack. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on lack

Nglish: Translation of lack for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lack

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