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
Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 23 May 2025
This is where, over 100 years later, Jackson, a central figure in the Series fix, provides a lesson about how subtle the lack of integrity can be.
—Cory Franklin, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
ArsTechnica, 23 May 2025
Instead, the audience watches a full day in the life of the salon, which is run by Jaja’s plucky teenage daughter, Marie, a high school valedictorian who lacks the birth certificate to qualify for college student loans.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for lack
Noun
Poor diet and lack of exercise provide an unhealthy foundation for life.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 23 May 2025
This is where, over 100 years later, Jackson, a central figure in the Series fix, provides a lesson about how subtle the lack of integrity can be.
—Cory Franklin, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
Verb
The following year, the Space Force handed over the launch pad to SpaceX, which lacked a pad at Vandenberg capable of supporting Falcon Heavy missions.
—ArsTechnica, 23 May 2025
Instead, the audience watches a full day in the life of the salon, which is run by Jaja’s plucky teenage daughter, Marie, a high school valedictorian who lacks the birth certificate to qualify for college student loans.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for lack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lack
Noun
-
However, in the absence of primary health care programs in many low- and middle-income countries, early detection and, at times, proper medical treatment is not always a possibility.—
Ramsha Waseem,
Smithsonian Magazine,
30 May 2025
-
Their absences are notable given speculation about their political futures.—
Seema Mehta,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2025
Noun
-
At the time Volkswagen was the first automaker to warn of a global chip shortage.—
Steve Banker,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
-
The rights of property owners aren’t always given the appropriate amount of respect, especially in a time of housing shortages and rising rents.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
30 May 2025
Noun
-
Some said the murders highlighted the need for more nuanced discussions about antisemitism in the United States and the ongoing Israeli Palestinian conflict.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
-
The legal filing, signed by Taylor, referenced the need to protect Kohberger’s constitutional rights to a fair trial, including to provide enough time for the defense to review all outstanding investigation materials to prepare to defend their client effectively.—
Kevin Fixler,
Idaho Statesman,
22 May 2025
Noun
-
Really, much of Hart’s time at Triple-A El Paso was spent attacking his deficiencies against right-handed hitters, who were hitting .333/.386/.698 against him in the majors compared to a .100/.100/.100 line in 20 plate appearances against lefties.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 May 2025
-
Key Takeaways Hair shedding or thinning can begin a few months after surgery due to stress, nutrient deficiencies, or both.—
Ashley Olivine,
Verywell Health,
28 May 2025
Verb
-
Until her death at age 25, Emily would beg to be taken to the carousel at the mall near her home in Columbia, Maryland.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
26 May 2025
-
But coming from the multiracial, multiethnic U.S., his background begged for further description.—
Rebecca R. Bibbs,
Chicago Tribune,
25 May 2025
Verb
-
Madrid sources, who asked to remain anonymous to protect relationships, believed his last months at PSG and somewhat difficult exit impacted his start at Madrid.—
Guillermo Rai,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
-
The first document Walker Wright asks Presley to sign is an acknowledgement that Walker Wright is representing Presley personally while also acting as the lawyer who drafted the contracts between Kruse, Presley, and a third partner, business adviser Kevin Fialko.—
Nancy Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
28 May 2025
Verb
-
Her father’s second-in-command, the handsome Jack Dean, insists family members play fair in obeying their father’s will.—
Lorraine Berry,
Los Angeles Times,
27 May 2025
-
The administration can also insist that other countries pay prices commensurate with the value of new medicines as a condition of striking trade agreements with the United States.—
Sally Pipes,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Verb
-
This odd mix should not work, but Soto pulls it off with a sure hand and precisely exacting storytelling.—
Murtada Elfadl,
Variety,
24 May 2025
-
The criteria also requires at least 15 full looks that each meet an exacting level of execution. VIP Itinerary And A Strategic Hospitality Guest List Stockholm Fashion Week is not limited to runway shows.—
Bianca Salonga,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lack. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share