Lacks Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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lacks
[læks ]
Definitions
incomplete
To be without or deficient in something. To not have enough of something.
Synonyms
is missing, is short of, needs.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| lacks |
This is often used to indicate a deficiency in a general sense. It can suggest a permanent or inherent deficiency.
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| needs |
This is used to express a requirement or necessity for something.
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| is missing |
This phrase indicates that something which was expected or supposed to be there is absent. It is often used in specific, situational contexts.
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| is short of |
This indicates that there is not enough of something, suggesting a temporary or partial insufficiency.
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Examples of usage
- The team lacks experience in this field.
- She lacks the necessary qualifications for the job.
deficiency
A state of being without or not having enough of something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| lacks |
Used when someone or something does not have something they need or should have. Often describes an incomplete quality or a need for improvement.
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| shortage |
Used when there is not enough of something needed. Often refers to immediate or practical issues like supplies and labor.
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| absence |
Refers to the state of something or someone being missing or not present. Often used in formal contexts or to describe periods of time.
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| scarcity |
Describes a situation where something is in very low supply. Often used in economic contexts or to describe resources.
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Examples of usage
- There is a lack of resources in the department.
- Her lack of confidence held her back from pursuing her dreams.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Feelings of lack can be linked to motivation; people may act to fill voids in their lives.
- Research shows that perceived lacks can influence behavior, leading to stronger desires for goods and experiences.
- In psychology, a lack of something often triggers a response to seek it, whether it's love, success, or material needs.
Pop Culture
- Many songs discuss themes of lack, often addressing emotional gaps or unmet desires.
- In film and literature, characters often face challenges due to what they lack, providing conflict that drives the plot.
- Popular phrases, like 'It lacks flavor!' in cooking shows, emphasize the emotional response to deficiency.
Education
- In education, the word is used to describe students who may lack resources or support systems for learning.
- Teachers often address areas where students lack knowledge to better tailor education plans.
- Educational frameworks focus on identifying what students lack to improve their learning outcomes.
Origin of 'lacks'
Main points about word origin
- Originated from the Old English word 'lacan', meaning 'to lack or be deficient'.
- Over time, it evolved in the Middle Ages, being used in various forms as English modernized.
- The word has cognates in other Germanic languages, indicating the same concept of absence or deficiency.
The word 'lacks' originated from Middle English 'lakken', which in turn came from Old English 'læccan', meaning 'to blame, to find fault with'. Over time, the meaning evolved to indicate a deficiency or absence of something. The modern usage of 'lacks' in English dates back to the 14th century.
See also: lack, lackey, lacking, lackluster.