lack
/læk/
NOUN
1. An absence or insufficient amount of something
The state of not having something that is needed, expected, or desirable, or having less of it than necessary.
1.1. Absence or nonexistence
The state in which something is missing or not present.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- presence
- availability
- abundance
- sufficiency
Examples
- The lack of evidence made it difficult to reach a conclusion.
- The project was delayed because of a lack of communication.
Related Words
1.2. Insufficiency or shortage of resources
An inadequate supply or quantity of something necessary, such as money, food, time, or equipment.
Synonyms
- shortage
- scarcity
- deficit
- insufficiency
- paucity
- undersupply
Antonyms
- abundance
- surplus
- plenty
- oversupply
- plenitude
Examples
- A lack of funding prevented the organization from expanding.
- The region suffered from a severe lack of clean water.
Related Words
1.3. A personal or moral deficiency
The absence of a desirable personal quality, ability, or moral characteristic.
Synonyms
- deficiency
- shortcoming
- failing
- inadequacy
- weakness
- fault
Antonyms
Examples
- His lack of confidence affected his performance.
- The report revealed a lack of judgment in the decision-making process.
Related Words
- defect
- imperfection
- failure
- incompetence
- inferiority
VERB
2. To be without something necessary or desirable
To not have, possess, or receive something that is needed or wanted.
2.1. Not possessing something
Being without a particular quality, resource, feature, or possession.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- have
- possess
- own
- enjoy
Examples
- The proposal lacks sufficient detail.
- Despite his experience, he lacks the confidence to lead the team.
Related Words
- absence
- deprivation
- shortage
- deficiency
- need
2.2. Needing or requiring something
Being in need of something essential or desirable that is not currently available.
Synonyms
- need
- require
- have need of
- want
- necessitate
Antonyms
- have
- possess
- supply
- provide
Examples
- The team lacks the equipment required for the experiment.
- The patient lacks the resources needed for proper care.
Related Words
- necessity
- requirement
- requisite
- essential
- demand
2.3. Being insufficient in quantity or degree
Having less than the required or expected amount of something.
Synonyms
- fall short
- be deficient
- be inadequate
- be short of
Antonyms
Examples
- The explanation lacks clarity.
- The current supply lacks the capacity to meet demand.
Related Words
- insufficiency
- shortfall
- deficit
- scarcity
- inadequacy