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Definition of lack

lack

/læk/
lack
Plural:lacks
•
Adjective:lacking
•
Past Simple:lacked
•
Past Participle:lacked
•
Present Participle:lacking
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lack Lexical Profile

lack Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The state of being without or not having enough of something that is needed or desired.

Example

"The research project was delayed due to a lack of adequate funding."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• verb

1

To be without or deficient in something required or desirable.

Example

"Although the novel is well-written, the main character lacks a convincing motivation."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

When used as a transitive verb, 'lack' does not take a preposition (e.g., 'they lack funds'), whereas the noun form requires 'of' (e.g., 'a lack of funds') and the participial adjective 'lacking' takes 'in' (e.g., 'lacking in experience').

• Rhymes for lack

• Nearby Words

lachesis
lachlan
lacing
lack
lackadaisical
lackey
lackluster

Word Origin & Etymology

Entered Middle English as lak ('defect, fault, or deficiency'), likely borrowed from Middle Low German or Middle Dutch lak, or from Old Norse lakr ('deficient, lacking').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Lack. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/lack
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