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
The lack of clarity on what is considered most important can subsequently enable a maintenance backlog. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026 Sporting’s lack of transactional activity — not just for profit, but within MLS over the last decade — has significantly hampered the organization’s ability to build that GAM coffer over time. — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
The disease increasingly impacts non-smoking women, and current screening methods often detect small lung nodules that lack precise, minimally invasive treatment options. — Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 On the flip side, recruiters see resumes stacked with keywords for candidates that lack relevant experience. — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 21 Aug. 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
  • Will Smith will be returning this week after a prolonged absence, and that will help, but not enough.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Furthermore, passive systems increase network survivability due to the absence of a distinctive identification.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of absence
Noun
  • Due to brass shortages, some knives had to be made with wooden handles, out of compressed leather washers, or bakelite plastic.
    — David Szondy August 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Some allege that the government has engineered fuel shortages to make an agreement unavoidable, others go further, accusing moderates of staging a coup.
    — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of shortage
Noun
  • Errands, chores, or work needs may bump against your desire for ease, beauty, or personal space.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The various configurations allow the property to accommodate a range of needs, budgets, and even levels of privacy, making the experience that much more customizable.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of need
Verb
  • The title was the name of a red-haired, green-eyed young fan Parton met signing autographs, and the story of a woman begging a rival to leave her man alone.
    — RJ Smith, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Finally, after years of begging from golf fans, the PGA Tour is introducing match play to its postseason beginning in 2028.
    — Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of beg
Noun
  • Defensively, the Lions have shown improvement but still have some deficiencies.
    — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
  • There were also no deficiencies in communication with other helicopters in contact with DCA’s traffic control tower.
    — Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of deficiency
Verb
  • However, the Raiders will be asking a lot of Eichenberg and Lindenberg if either starter goes down.
    — Sam Warren, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Anyone with information about the stabbing is asked to contact the Fort Worth Police Department at 817-392-4330.
    — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of ask
Verb
  • The secretary insisted he is focused on leading the War Department.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Alongside workers’ rights organization Arise Chicago and community organizing group Communities United, workers are now stepping forward to insist that the business give them their due — in full.
    — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of insist
Verb
  • Economic analysts have told CNN that targeting these banks and Chinese companies would be crucial to exacting a major toll on Iran’s economy.
    — Mustafa Qadri, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Without the right support, what starts as unconscious mimicry of peers’ behavior in childhood can exact a painful toll as time goes on.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of exact

Browse Nearby Words

lacings
lack
lackadaisical
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lack. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on lack

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lack

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All