lack

lack · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The state of being without or not having enough of something.

  2. 2.

    Be without or deficient in.

  3. 3.

    [intransitive]Be absent or in short supply.

Forms

plural: lacks

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    lack for nothing — Have everything one needs.
  • •
    for lack of — Because of not having.
  • •
    lack of — Absence or deficiency of.
  • •
    not lack for — Have plenty of.

Related words

Antonyms: abundance, excess, plenty, surplus
See also: absence, lacking, need, shortage
Synonyms: absence, deficiency, scarcity, shortage

Etymology

From Middle English lak, probably from Middle Dutch lak ("deficiency, fault") or Middle Low German lak. Related to Old Norse lakr ("deficient").