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
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
Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Now Despite the lack of continuity throughout the season as the Celtics shuffled different starting lineups, Boston still finished with a 61-21 record, just three games behind the Cleveland Cavaliers.
—Dj Siddiqi, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Sarah Anzlovar, Ms, Verywell Health, 17 Apr. 2025
The 45 minutes that followed were sluggish and lacked focus, which proved costly upfront.
—Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lack
Noun
This lack of reciprocity is unfair and threatens America's economic and national security.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Now Despite the lack of continuity throughout the season as the Celtics shuffled different starting lineups, Boston still finished with a 61-21 record, just three games behind the Cleveland Cavaliers.
—Dj Siddiqi, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
While generally safe, most studies use high-dose turmeric supplements—unlike the small amounts in wellness shots and elixirs—and lack strong evidence for the combination.
—Sarah Anzlovar, Ms, Verywell Health, 17 Apr. 2025
The 45 minutes that followed were sluggish and lacked focus, which proved costly upfront.
—Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lack
Noun
-
Russo’s absence highlights the lack of a natural backup striker England have heading into the Euros.—
Charlotte Harpur,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
-
In the absence of such winks and nods, the film would play like a high-budget hostage video.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
With entire flocks culled to prevent the spread of the virus, the egg supply has been strained, leading to shortages in stores and inflated costs for consumers.—
Claire Malon,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Apr. 2025
-
There’s also a host of brand-new, inexperienced medical students; a staffing shortage; and the hospital administrator breathing down Dr. Robby’s neck.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
But focusing on meeting your essential needs first will lay the foundation for eventually finding the physical ability to do more. 2.—
Kathleen Ferraro,
SELF,
15 Apr. 2025
-
Not Effectively Communicating New Designs Even when organizations succeed in designing spaces that reflect modern needs, many fail to communicate how those spaces should be used.—
Ryan Anderson,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
That deficiency intensified now that Brown is heading to Jacksonville on a one-year deal, according to a team source.—
Ben Standig,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
-
According to a 2023 study, 35% of adults in the US are suffering from a vitamin D deficiency, and that can lead to a number of issues (poor immune system, risk of certain cancers, and liver and kidney disease, to name just a few).—
Audrey Noble,
Vogue,
11 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
In turn, Julian begged his ex to destroy the incriminating papers for the sake of their family.—
Sabienna Bowman,
People.com,
18 Apr. 2025
-
For nearly ten years, fans have been begging for its return.—
Stephanie Gravalese,
Forbes.com,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Her mom has successfully kept her isolated from her grandfather even though Hazel has asked a lot about him and shown interest in getting to know him.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Craig Carton, Danny Parkins, and Mark Schlereth ask whether this was the worst trade in NFL and major sports history.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
As part of its demands for a broader ceasefire, the Kremlin laid out several tough conditions that Putin had previously insisted on – such as a halt to all foreign military aid and intelligence to Kyiv, and a halt to any Ukrainian mobilization or rearming during that period.—
Edward Szekeres,
CNN,
21 Mar. 2025
-
In 1542 a treaty with Spain would have made the principality a fiefdom, but the Grimaldi’s insisted on language that at least gave lip service to their sovereignty.—
Rob Crossan,
JSTOR Daily,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
This mystically exacting wordplay is spell-binding—fitting for a record that steeps its themes of desperation and addiction in a heady brew of alchemy and witchcraft.—
Meaghan Garvey,
Pitchfork,
3 Apr. 2025
-
Did not exact revenge beyond what justice required.—
Robert Daugherty,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lack. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share