lack

Meanings

1. 1noununcountable

   The state of not having enough of something, or having none of it at all.

   Grammar: As a noun it is followed by of: lack of time; also common as a lack of experience for one instance.

   Patterns

   • lack of something
   • a lack of experience
   • for lack of something
   • no lack of something

   The delay was caused by a lack of staff.

   For lack of a better plan, we waited.

   There is no lack of opinions on the issue.

2. 2verbtransitive

   To be without something needed, or to not have enough of it.

   Grammar: Takes a direct object without of: the plan lacks detail, not lacks of detail.

   Patterns

   • lack something
   • lack confidence
   • lack funding
   • be lacking in something

   The report lacks evidence.

   He lacks patience with slow computers.

   The soup lacks salt.

Word forms

Common combinations

lack of time

We finished with no lack of effort but little time.

lack of experience

Her lack of experience showed during the first shift.

lack confidence

Students may lack confidence before the first debate.

for lack of funding

The clinic closed for lack of funding.

be lacking in

The salad was fresh but lacking in flavor.

Synonyms and how they differ

shortage

Shortage means available supply is below what is needed; lack can mean none at all.

absence

Absence means something is not present; lack often points to a need or want.

scarcity

Scarcity suggests something is rare or in short supply; lack is simpler and more direct.

Opposites

Word family

lacking adjective

Missing something needed; often used as be lacking in.

Commonly confused: lack or lacking? lack or want?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “lack”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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