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lack
/læk/
an absence or shortage of something needed or desired
The project failed due to a lack of funding.
The project failed because there wasn't enough money to support it.
general
the state of not having enough of something
She felt a lack of confidence before the presentation.
She didn't feel confident enough before giving her presentation.
The garden suffered from a lack of sunlight.
The garden didn't get enough sunlight, which caused problems.
Often used with 'of' to specify what is missing (e.g., lack of time, lack of resources).
Collocations
lack ofused to indicate what is missinglacking innot having enough of something
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Collocations
'Lack' is often followed by 'of' (e.g., lack of time) or 'in' (e.g., lacking in confidence).
Gold Rule
Correct Usage
Use 'lack' to describe a general absence or shortage, not a complete absence. For complete absence, use 'absence' or 'dearth'.
Word Origin
From Middle English *lakken*, from Old English *lac*, meaning 'fault, defect, deficiency'. Related to Old Norse *lak* (defect) and Old High German *lah* (fault).
Usage Notes
Often used in formal and informal contexts. Can be followed by 'of' or 'in' to specify what is missing.
Word Breakdown
lack
deficiency or shortage
rootEnglish Dictionary