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
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Recent Examples of lack
Jessica Stroud, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
When communities lack money and resources then cops will forever need to be more present.
—Drake Bentley, jsonline.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Jim Riccioli, jsonline.com, 26 Sep. 2025
The lawsuit details what Justice says is a lack of cooperation.
—David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lack
Noun
By contrast, very large companies often have to rely on standardized plans, and smaller companies may lack bargaining power with insurers.
—Verb
Due to the lack of video evidence, what jurors did see was a reenactment, using a doll in place of the victim that was the focus on initial charges filed in September 2022.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for lack
Noun
-
North Korea has made significant advances in its nuclear and ballistic missile programs in the absence of talks.—
-
To the contrary, the absence of dissent was the danger.—
Noun
-
Yes, constant strikes on Russia’s refinery infrastructure have caused possible shortages of gas, and another Ukrainian drone hit a Gazprom refinery for the second time in a week Tuesday night, 1,400 km (870 miles) inside Russia.—
-
Multiple staff members interviewed as part of that investigation reported concerns about the impact of staffing shortages on the quality of care at the facility.—
Noun
-
The complex includes health and dental clinics as well as behavioral health clinicians, so leaders hope most needs can be met within the building.—
-
Fireworks spouted directly beyond the stage where the president and others spoke, which had online critics questioning the need for them.—
Noun
-
Poor sleep quality, stress, head injuries, nutrient deficiencies, aging, alcohol use or medication side effects are all common culprits, says Mander.—
-
Magnesium is an essential mineral responsible for many biological processes, and its deficiency has been linked to several inflammatory disorders.—
Verb
-
Hours earlier, his team was begging us & the Adams campaign to join their publicity stunt lawsuit against @ABC7.—
-
Now there’s a story begging for its own miniseries, and a reminder that the stakes are pretty high.—
Verb
-
Both friends asked not to be named due to concerns about potential harassment.—
-
The Food and Drug Administration, Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Agriculture Department, the Labor Department, the National Park Service, and the National Nuclear Security Administration have all asked ex-employees to return to work.—
Verb
-
The result is a bill that insists on safety frameworks, incident reports, whistleblower protections, and a public compute resource, but stops short of imposing the same sweeping mandates that alarmed lawmakers and industry last year.—
-
Wimberger insists that Evers can easily solve the problem by directing his agency to reapportion funding.—
Verb
-
The more arduous route began exacting its toll.—
-
Add to that the toll AIDs, the crack epidemic, and violent crime had exacted on American cities and the context of the crackdown becomes more clear.—
Cite this Entry
“Lack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lack. Accessed 28 Sep. 2025.
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