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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lack
Matthew Brown, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025
Offensively, the Celtics paired their suspect 3-point shooting with a lack of touch around the rim, going just 4-for-11 in the first half on shots inside the restricted area.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 24 Jan. 2025
Erin Banco, Anastasiia Malenko, USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2025
In addition to his injuries, Becton also appeared to lack motivation and criticized fans on social media.
—Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for lack 
Noun
They’ve been hindered by a lack of port access on the West Coast.
—Matthew Brown, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025
Offensively, the Celtics paired their suspect 3-point shooting with a lack of touch around the rim, going just 4-for-11 in the first half on shots inside the restricted area.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
Soldiers and the government alike say any new advances will require not just equipment and ammunition, but significant manpower that the country lacks.
—Erin Banco, Anastasiia Malenko, USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2025
In addition to his injuries, Becton also appeared to lack motivation and criticized fans on social media.
—Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for lack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lack
Noun
-
In the absence of medicine’s ability to definitively identify autism’s causes, the myth’s certainty will tempt some people.—
Eleanor Menzin,
TIME,
30 Jan. 2025
-
Miami’s first-round pick (15th overall) out of Indiana has blossomed in a starting role since the Heat went big in Butler’s absence.—
Greg Cote,
Miami Herald,
30 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Meanwhile, data shows that there is also a shortage of fully qualified air traffic control staff.—
Daniel R. Depetris,
Newsweek,
1 Feb. 2025
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The Trump Administration has offered a separation package to federal workers, including air traffic controllers, which could cause further staffing shortages.—
Pete Muntean,
CNN,
1 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
By analyzing data from soil moisture and nutrient sensors, these systems precisely adjust irrigation and fertilization schedules based on the plants’ needs.—
Tribune Content Agency,
The Mercury News,
3 Feb. 2025
-
Chelsea take on visitors West Ham United tonight with their head coach in desperate need of a win.—
Simon Johnson,
The Athletic,
3 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Sanger says that iron supplements are often prescribed to those diagnosed with iron deficiency, consume little to no animal products, struggle with heavy menstrual cycles, had surgery, or been injured.—
Audrey Noble,
Vogue,
30 Jan. 2025
-
Relying solely on watermelon, which is low in fat, protein, and several other essential nutrients, may lead to nutrient deficiencies, muscle loss, and fatigue, to name a few.—
Lindsey DeSoto, RD, LD,
Verywell Health,
29 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Following the show, the beauty community begged McGrath to unveil the secret behind her glass-shattering technique, which has been recreated by makeup artists time and again since then.—
India Espy-Jones,
Essence,
24 Jan. 2025
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With the movie itself proving its might across three different categories, Morris’ absence begs the question: How? —Joey Nolfi 12 of 13 SNUB: Challengers score Time to compress and repress your rage, as the Academy pulled the aux cord out from one of the best original scores of 2024.—
Joey Nolfi,
EW.com,
23 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Newton asked Reed at the 01:29:10 mark of the interview.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
28 Jan. 2025
-
The Planned Parenthood providers in late December filed a motion for reconsideration, essentially asking Zhang to reverse her earlier ruling.—
Jonathan Shorman,
Kansas City Star,
28 Jan. 2025
Verb
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But their plans to quietly elope are upended when Min’s grandmother (Yun) flies in from Korea and insists on an all-out wedding extravaganza.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
27 Jan. 2025
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Social media users noted the similarities between the two men, with people insisting that Franco portray the 26-year-old University of Pennsylvania graduate in whatever future show or movie was produced about his alleged crime.—
Caroline Thayer,
Fox News,
27 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Many people in this country are too young to remember the cost these diseases exacted.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
28 Jan. 2025
-
The close vote made clear that concerns about Mr. Hegseth’s character and reports of excessive drinking, lack of management experience and statements against women in combat had exacted a deep toll in both parties.—
Carl Hulse,
New York Times,
24 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Lack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lack. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
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