Synonyms for

Lack

Verb / læk / Another word for lack — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Synonyms & similar words

have want deficiency miss Shortage deficiency scarcity insufficiency absence want dearth paucity inadequacy need privation defect failing flaw imperfection weakness infirmity incompleteness insufficience shortcoming.

Synonyms by register

Formal

deficiency shortage paucity dearth

Informal

shortfall not enough craving need

Literary

want scarcity

Antonyms

abundance plenty surplus wealth profusion excess copiousness

Common collocations

  • lack of
  • lack of sleep
  • lack of confidence
  • lack of interest
  • lack of understanding
  • lack of funds
  • lack of evidence

Word family

noun lack
verb lack

Usage note

Often used with 'of' to indicate the absence of something. Avoid using 'lack' as a transitive verb when a more specific verb like 'need' or 'miss' would be clearer.

Example sentences

  1. Noun: There is a lack of food in the pantry.
  2. Verb: I lack the skills to do that job.

Quotes

  • 1. "The lack of money is the root of all evil." - Mark Twain
  • 2. "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance." - Franklin D. Roosevelt
  • 3. "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." - Nelson Mandela

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