Lack: meaning, definitions and examples

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lack

[læk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

feeling

the state of not having something that you need or want; the state of being without something

Synonyms

absence, deficiency, shortage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lack	General term for the state of not having enough or any of something. Often used to describe the absence of something necessary or desired. There is a lack of clean water in many developing countries. She felt a lack of motivation to finish the project.
absence	Used when something or someone is not present in a specific place or situation. Often implies that what is absent should be there. In the absence of the manager, please direct your questions to the assistant. His absence from the meeting was notable.
deficiency	Refers to a shortage of something necessary, often used in medical or technical contexts. Emphasizes the negative impact of not having enough. The doctor noted a vitamin D deficiency in the patient. There is a deficiency of skilled workers in this industry.
shortage	Specifically indicates a limited supply of something that is needed. Frequently used in economic or logistical contexts. The city is facing a shortage of affordable housing. There was a shortage of masks during the early stages of the pandemic.

Examples of usage

Despite working hard, he still felt a sense of lack in his life.
She tried to fill the lack in her heart with material possessions.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

quantity

be without or deficient in

Synonyms

be deficient in, be short of, be without.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lack	Used when something essential or desired is missing entirely or in significant amount. It's a general term applicable to various contexts such as resources, skills, or qualities. The project failed due to a lack of funding She often feels a lack of confidence when speaking in public
be without	Used to indicate the absence of something, often in a context where having the thing would be usual or expected. It can carry a somewhat negative undertone depending on the context. He went a whole day without food She found herself without any friends in the new city
be deficient in	Often used in a more formal or technical context to indicate that there is a shortage of a necessary element or quality. Commonly used in medical or scientific settings. The patient is deficient in vitamin D His argument was deficient in logic
be short of	Used to indicate a smaller or inadequate amount of something, often when something is almost enough but still lacking. It can be used in both casual and formal contexts. We are running short of time for this project The school is short of teachers this semester

Examples of usage

The team lacked experience in this type of competition.
He lacked the necessary skills to complete the task.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'lack' comes from the Old English 'laccian', meaning to 'fail to have'.
In Middle English, it was often used to mean 'to be without something'.
Related words include 'lacking' and 'lacker', which describe a state of absence.

Psychology

Feeling a 'lack' can lead to emotional distress, such as anxiety or sadness, as it often indicates unfulfilled needs.
The lack of social support is linked to poorer mental health outcomes, showcasing the importance of connection.
Some studies show that perceived lack in resources can motivate individuals to work harder toward goals.

Economics

In economics, a lack of resources can lead to scarcity, affecting supply and demand.
During recession periods, a lack of job opportunities can significantly impact the economy and livelihoods.
The concept of 'lack' is critical in discussions about inequality, where certain groups have less access to resources.

Literature

The theme of lack appears frequently in literature, often highlighting characters' struggles with desire or poverty.
In 'The Great Gatsby', the protagonist feels a lack of fulfillment in wealth despite his riches, emphasizing emotional emptiness.
Many fairy tales feature characters who experience a lack of familial love or material goods, driving their quest for fulfillment.

Pop Culture

Songs about lack often focus on heartbreak or longing, capturing emotional experiences relatable to many.
In movies, characters often undergo journeys to address their feelings of lack, whether it be love, family, or purpose.
Television shows frequently depict 'lack' as a central theme in story arcs, especially in dramas where characters face personal challenges.

Translations

Translations of the word "lack" in other languages:

🇵🇹 falta

🇮🇳 कमी

🇩🇪 Mangel

🇮🇩 kekurangan

🇺🇦 відсутність

🇵🇱 brak

🇯🇵 欠如 (けつじょ)

🇫🇷 manque

🇪🇸 falta

🇹🇷 eksiklik

🇰🇷 부족 (부족)

🇸🇦 نقص

🇨🇿 nedostatek

🇸🇰 nedostatok

🇨🇳 缺乏 (quēfá)

🇸🇮 pomanjkanje

🇮🇸 skortur

🇰🇿 жетіспеушілік

🇬🇪 ნაკლებობა

🇦🇿 çatışmazlıq

🇲🇽 falta

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,006, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.

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1003 talk
1004 king
1005 recently
1006 lack
1007 powers
1008 growing
1009 processes
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