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

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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)

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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
And this is one of those things that flags my lack of comprehension of most things happening in my midst. — John Ramos, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026 The neighborhood just a few miles north of uptown has long felt neglected by the city, some residents say, and the lack of a station would continue a history of inequity. — Dj Simmons, Charlotte Observer, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
Some people may have lost businesses and don't have the resources to bring them back, and communities may lack the infrastructure to recover. — Luis Giraldo, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026 Parties pushed into a process by others might go through the motions but are likely to lack the commitment required. — Matt Waldman, Foreign Affairs, 13 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
  • Messi’s close friend and international teammate, Rodrigo De Paul, captained the squad in his absence.
    — Avi Creditor, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • In the 32nd minute, Messi’s close friend and Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul, who wore the captain’s armband in Messi’s absence, paid the Messi family a perfect tribute.
    — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of absence
Noun
  • The barrage has caused fuel shortages in Russia, eaten into Russian refining capacity, and unsettled the Russian public.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Wong said the permanent closure was a result of rising food costs, inflation, labor shortages and the economy in general.
    — Daily News, Daily News, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of shortage
Noun
  • The Ravens, however, have consistently supported Loop and downplayed the need to bring in another kicker.
    — Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Guests with specific needs can coordinate directly with the front desk, which will handle any request with genuine care.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of need
Verb
  • The warm waffle can be filled with matcha, strawberry soft serve or a swirl of both, then dressed up Pocky sticks for a dessert that practically begs for a photo before the first bite.
    — Brittany Anas, Denver Post, 11 Aug. 2026
  • That's because when the stakes are high, and the actors begin to cry, the serious tone begs to be subverted by a humorous caption.
    — Owen Carry, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of beg
Noun
  • The initiative is intended to identify and treat testosterone deficiencies and optimize physical performance among service members.
    — Teresa Maalouf, Verywell Health, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Instead, testosterone deficiency should be diagnosed through both appropriate laboratory testing and symptom evaluation.
    — Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of deficiency
Verb
  • In their final days together, Alexander said Beloozerov asked him to go to his office and return his laptop and security cards for him.
    — Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Helaena asks Rhaenyra in House of the Dragon’s third-season finale.
    — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of ask
Verb
  • Instead, airlines are insisting on custom designs to stand out.
    — Edward Russell, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
  • And alumni are among the college’s best ambassadors for spreading that message, insists Emma Donatille, executive director of the WCC Foundation that has handed out nearly $440,000 in scholarships over the years.
    — Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of insist
Verb
  • Not only do organizers give their mostly women clients the permission to part with belongings, but also the permission to let go of exacting societal expectations like having a perfectly organized and spotless house.
    — Marianne Cooper, Time, 5 Aug. 2026
  • What happens when photographers take a ski vacation Walters’ exacting eye extended into retirement and visits with old Herald colleagues and best buds Peter Cross and Bruce Gilbert.
    — Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of exact

Browse Nearby Words

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 17 Aug. 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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