lack
B2Neutral (used in all registers from formal to informal)
Definition
Meaning
The state of not having something that is needed or wanted; an absence or deficiency.
Can also refer to the insufficiency or complete absence of a quality, resource, or thing, implying a negative state of deprivation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"Lack" typically implies a need or desire that is not met. It can describe a complete absence or an insufficient quantity. It carries a negative connotation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The primary difference is in collocational preferences (e.g., 'lack for' is more common in UK English). Spelling remains the same.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both varieties, with near-identical usage patterns.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
lack + [OBJECT] (verb)lack of + [NOUN] (noun)be lacking in + [QUALITY]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “for lack of a better word/phrase”
- “lack for nothing”
- “what one lacks in... one makes up for in...”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The project failed due to a lack of funding." Discusses resource constraints, market gaps, or skill shortages.
Academic
"The study's conclusions are limited by a lack of longitudinal data." Used to critique methodology or highlight research gaps.
Everyday
"I can't come out tonight—I lack the energy." Commonly used to express a personal shortage of time, money, or motivation.
Technical
In medicine: "symptom lack"; in computing: "resource lack"; indicates a specific, measurable deficiency.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The proposal lacks credibility.
- She did not lack for friends.
- They lack the necessary expertise.
American English
- The plan lacks detail.
- He lacks common sense.
- The team lacks a good point guard.
adverb
British English
- (Rare as a standalone adverb) 'lackingly' - e.g., The resources were provided lackingly.
American English
- (Rare as a standalone adverb) 'lacking' can function adverbially in compounds - e.g., a strangely-lacking-in-detail report.
adjective
British English
- It is not lacking in ambition.
- The performance was somewhat lacking.
American English
- He was found lacking during the crisis.
- Her commitment is clearly lacking.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- There is a lack of milk in the fridge.
- I lack a pen. Can I borrow one?
- The company failed because of a lack of customers.
- He lacks confidence when speaking English.
- The report was criticised for its lack of concrete proposals.
- What the film lacks in plot, it makes up for in special effects.
- A profound lack of strategic vision has hampered the organisation's growth.
- The defendant's alibi was not disproven, but the jury felt it was lacking in credibility.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an empty LACquer box. The box LACKs its contents.
Conceptual Metaphor
LACK IS AN EMPTY CONTAINER (e.g., 'a void of leadership', 'empty of ideas').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'miss' (скучать) or 'need' (нуждаться). 'Lack' is about absence, not emotion or requirement.
- Do not confuse with 'luck' (удача) in pronunciation.
- Be careful with the structure: 'I lack time' (correct) vs. 'I am lack of time' (incorrect).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'lack of' as a verb (e.g., 'I lack of time' is wrong).
- Using 'lack' without an article for countable singular nouns (e.g., 'There is lack of chair' should be 'a lack of chairs').
- Confusing 'lack' (noun/verb) with 'lacking' (adjective).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'lack' CORRECTLY as a verb?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is both. As a noun: 'a lack of water'. As a verb: 'they lack water'.
'Lack' can mean a complete absence, while 'shortage' specifically implies an insufficient amount of something that normally exists. A 'lack of ideas' means none; a 'shortage of staff' means not enough.
No. The correct forms are: 'I lack time' (verb) or 'I am lacking in time' (adjective) or 'I have a lack of time' (noun). 'Lacking of' is incorrect.
Yes, it's a fixed phrase meaning 'because of the absence of'. Example: 'The charges were dropped for lack of evidence.'