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)

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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
This included Concacaf, which accused FIFA of a lack of consultation regarding the proposals. — Megan Feringa, New York Times, 30 July 2026 OpenAI has been a source of concentration risk—and consternation over the lack of clarity—for analysts and investors for both its revenue-sharing deal with Microsoft, and how much of Azure’s growth was dependent on OpenAI. — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 30 July 2026
Verb
Most supportive utility shoes lack everyday appeal, while conventional sneakers rarely hold up against tricky terrain. — Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026 Asking political appointees who lack relevant knowledge or training to make decisions outside of their expertise will lead to failure. — Felix V. Matos Rodriguez, New York Daily News, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for lack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lack
  1. absence
  2. shortage
  3. need
  4. beg
  5. deficiency
  6. ask
  7. insist
  8. exact
Noun
  • An extended Bellinger absence would be a big blow to a Yankees lineup that has already suffered a few of them.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 26 July 2026
  • Chris Evans also took the stage to celebrate the return of Steve Rogers/Captain America after a seven-year absence (though Evans briefly reprised an earlier superhero role, Johnny Storm/Human Torch, in 2024’s Deadpool and Wolverine).
    — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 26 July 2026
Definition of absence
Noun
  • Nvidia has secured what could be a $500 billion memory supply agreement with SK Hynix, potentially alleviating a concern as the memory market faces a global shortage.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 27 July 2026
  • One big question, Chan said, is whether CXMT could help with the broader shortage.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 July 2026
Definition of shortage
Noun
  • The Police Department also works with business partners, including private security companies, to address safety needs, according to Smith.
    — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 26 July 2026
  • The state has rightful guardrails for expensive projects, and all levels of government have growing lists of infrastructure needs.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of need
Verb
  • The hardest part, however, is to ignore the part that’s right in front of your face, begging you to pay attention to it at the expense of everything else.
    — John Hollinger, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Most resort to begging, performing on the streets, doing manual labor for low pay, scavenging for scraps, or selling drugs.
    — Anne Pinto-Rodrigues, Christian Science Monitor, 20 July 2026
Definition of beg
Noun
  • The leaves were also quite yellow, which suggests a nutrient deficiency.
    — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 July 2026
  • Some capsules contain vitamin D3 for people who have a vitamin D deficiency, which can contribute to hair loss, according to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery.
    — Nicole Hernandez, USA Today, 24 July 2026
Definition of deficiency
Verb
  • Phillips may no longer be the focus of the ethics inquiry, but he could still be asked to answer questions or supply documents as the committee determines if Collins violated any laws or rules.
    — Tia Mitchell, AJC.com, 27 July 2026
  • Angelo mourned his brother, who was just 14 when he was fatally shot by Colt, and asked the court to sentence Colt to life in prison without parole.
    — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
Definition of ask
Verb
  • Antonetti insisted that taking on salary would not be prohibitive.
    — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • Ahead of the visit, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi insisted Tehran was not seeking further mediation with the US.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
Definition of insist
Verb
  • The story exemplifies Bandyopadhyay’s method of locating the partition’s violence beyond the riots, in the economic destitution that followed and what that destitution exacted from women.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026
  • Strategic bunkering further enhances the challenge, ensuring that what appears to be a straightforward short iron can quickly become one of the course's most exacting tests.
    — Jeff Goudy, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of exact

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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 31 Jul. 2026.

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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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