1
as in insufficient
not coming up to an expected measure or meeting a particular need
we felt the afternoon television offerings were somewhat lacking in entertainment value
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in absent
not present or in evidence
for the moment anyway, wood for the fireplace is lacking
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lacking
James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
It can be used to crudely express boredom, annoyance or to signal that something is self-indulgent or lacking purpose.
—Sofi Zeman
august 8, Kansas City Star, 8 Aug. 2025
But conviction, not to mention inspiration, are somewhat lacking.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
That is not to say that his coverage abilities are in any way lacking, but the Jaguars might see more value in Hunter catching passes to start.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
It can be used to crudely express boredom, annoyance or to signal that something is self-indulgent or lacking purpose.
—Sofi Zeman
august 8, Kansas City Star, 8 Aug. 2025
But conviction, not to mention inspiration, are somewhat lacking.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 6 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lacking
Adjective
-
If reserves prove insufficient—or are poorly disclosed—confidence can collapse overnight.—
Tony Bradley,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
-
The prosecutor said there was insufficient evidence to support that charge.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Europa Press via Getty Images FC Barcelona phenomenon Lamine Yamal was absent from training on Saturday, as reported by a number of reliable outlets including RAC1.—
Tom Sanderson,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
-
In August, the planning and zoning committee amended the proposal to include conditional use permit and licensing requirements that were previously absent, said Councilman Andrew Owen, who co-sponsored the legislation and chairs the committee.—
Killian Baarlaer,
Louisville Courier Journal,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Set of 4 6-Ounce Ramekins This four-piece stoneware ramekin set is just begging to be added to your fall tablescape—and don’t forget about it when Thanksgiving rolls around either.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Your sleep paralysis demon is begging you to read Herculine.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The position of elementary education among the least susceptible to poverty might be surprising, but elementary school teachers are scarce and in demand.—
Erik Sherman,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
-
The number of investigations is scarce not because of a lack of potential violations.—
Max Blau,
ProPublica,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
He was initially described as being cooperative with police when Ana Walshe went missing but was soon arrested and charged with her murder.—
Flint McColgan,
Boston Herald,
13 Sep. 2025
-
An unknown amount of people remain missing.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
PEOPLE,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
What progress has been public has been from outside that investigation, like State Auditor Diana DiZoglio’s office issuing a report that found the MSP’s training is inadequate.—
Flint McColgan,
Boston Herald,
13 Sep. 2025
-
More than half of these women have left their jobs under the weight of these tasks, with two-thirds citing inadequate employer support.—
Liz Teran,
Fortune,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Thank you for asking about Pride Plays.—
H. Alan Scott,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Don’t be surprised if people start asking you for your aesthetician’s phone number in two months.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The report said that water storage in Washington’s five reservoirs in the Yakima River Basin has dropped sharply, bringing levels, at times, to some of the lowest measured since record-keeping started in 1971.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
14 Sep. 2025
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The ultra-low-cost model clearly isn't providing customer satisfaction, even if the fares look cheap.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lacking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lacking. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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