Synonyms for

Lacks

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

Definition

To be without or to not have enough of something.

Synonyms & similar words

lack want deficiency have miss needs misses requires wants craves demands desires deprived scant deficient insufficient inadequate scarce

Synonyms by register

Formal

requires needs is deficient in is short of

Informal

is missing doesn't have is out of is low on

Literary

wants is wanting

Antonyms

has possesses contains includes holds affords provides

Common collocations

  • lacks the ability
  • lacks the resources
  • lacks the motivation
  • lacks the experience
  • lacks the necessary
  • lacks the fundamental
  • lacks the basic

Word family

noun lack
verb lack
adjective lacking

Usage note

The word 'lacks' is often followed by 'the' and a noun, e.g., 'He lacks the patience.' It can also be used with abstract nouns like 'courage' or 'understanding'.

Example sentences

  1. She lacks the courage to speak in front of a crowd.
  2. The garden lacks water, so the plants are dying.
  3. The recipe lacks flavor without the spices.
  4. The team lacks a good goalkeeper.
  5. He lacks the necessary skills for the job.

Quotes

  • The world is full of people who have something to say, and they look at you as if you have nothing to say, because you lack the means to say it.
  • When you lack talent, give it all you've got.
  • The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. Lacking the courage to fight for what is right is the same as collaborating with what is wrong.

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

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