lacking
/ˈlækɪŋ/
ADJECTIVE
1. Missing or not possessing something
Being without something that is needed, expected, or normally present.
1.1. Absence and missing elements
Used to describe something that is absent, missing, or not present where it is expected or required.
Synonyms
- absent
- missing
- nonexistent
- wanting
- not present
Antonyms
Examples
- Several important documents were lacking from the application.
- The report was lacking the information needed to support its conclusions.
Related Words
ADJECTIVE
2. Insufficient or deficient in quality or quantity
Not having enough of something or failing to possess a necessary quality, characteristic, or amount.
2.1. Qualities and characteristics
Used to describe people, performances, behavior, or creative works that fail to demonstrate a desirable or expected quality.
Synonyms
- deficient
- inadequate
- insufficient
- imperfect
- substandard
- unsatisfactory
- flawed
Antonyms
- adequate
- satisfactory
- sufficient
- excellent
- complete
Examples
- His performance was decent, yet it was not extraordinary, lacking the passion we expected.
- The novel's plot was intriguing, but the character development felt lacking.
- The team's strategy was well-planned, but their execution was lacking in coordination.
Related Words
- shortcoming
- weakness
- deficiency
- imperfection
- limitation
2.2. Amount and resources
Used to describe a shortage of money, supplies, materials, evidence, or other resources necessary to meet a particular need.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The project was lacking sufficient funding to continue.
- The report was thorough, but the conclusion seemed lacking in supporting evidence.
- The region is lacking adequate medical supplies.
Related Words
VERB
3. Needing or requiring something
Being in a state where something necessary or desirable is needed or required.
3.1. Needs and requirements
Used when someone or something needs, requires, or is without something necessary to achieve a particular purpose.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- having
- possessing
- owning
Examples
- The organization is lacking the resources required to complete the project.
- The new system is lacking several features that users need.
- The company is lacking experienced employees in its technical department.
Related Words
- necessity
- requirement
- demand
- need
- dependence
3.2. Falling short of a required amount
Used to indicate that someone or something has less than the necessary amount or fails to meet an expected standard.
Synonyms
- coming up short
- being short of
- being deficient in
- wanting
Antonyms
- having enough
- abounding
- exceeding
- surpassing
Examples
- The proposal is lacking in detail and needs further development.
- The team is lacking the experience necessary to handle the assignment.
Related Words
- deficit
- shortfall
- inadequacy
- insufficiency
- limitation