lack

noun

OPAL W

/læk/

[uncountable, singular]Idioms

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the state of not having something or not having enough of something synonym dearth, shortage
- lack of something a lack of understanding/knowledge
- Passengers complained about the lack of information when flights were cancelled.
- Her enthusiasm compensated for her apparent lack of experience.
- He was suffering from a complete lack of confidence.
- There was no lack of volunteers.
- because of a lack of something The project was abandoned because of a total lack of support.
- due to (a) lack of something He was released due to lack of evidence.
- through lack of something The trip was cancelled through lack of interest.
- despite the lack of something Fans of classic comedy should be happy with this disc, despite the lack of extras.
- Money and the fear of its lack are present in many of his poems.
Extra Examples
- She showed a distinct lack of enthusiasm for the idea of becoming a mother.
- I've lost those skills through lack of practice.
- She thought she would collapse from lack of sleep.
- The situation was worsened by lack of communication.
- There is certainly no lack of interest in the subject.
- There was a distinct lack of urgency in his manner.
- a general lack of knowledge among the young
- an abysmal lack of knowledge
Oxford Collocations Dictionary
adjective
- profound
- serious
- severe
- …
preposition
- by lack of
- for lack of
- from lack of
- …
phrases
- no lack of something
See full entry
Word OriginMiddle English: corresponding to, and perhaps partly from, Middle Dutch and Middle Low German lak ‘deficiency’, Middle Dutch laken ‘lack, blame’.

Idioms

not for want/lack of trying

used to say that although somebody has not succeeded in something, they have tried very hard
- They haven't won a game yet, but it isn't for want of trying.
- They lost the game, but not for lack of trying.
Topics Difficulty and failurec2

lack

verb

OPAL W

/læk/

[no passive]

Verb Forms

present simple I / you / we / they lack	/læk/ /læk/
he / she / it lacks	/læks/ /læks/
past simple lacked	/lækt/ /lækt/
past participle lacked	/lækt/ /lækt/
-ing form lacking	/ˈlækɪŋ/ /ˈlækɪŋ/

Idioms

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lack something to have none or not enough of something
- to lack confidence/experience/resources/power
- The team lacked the skill to compete at the highest level.
- She has the natural ability that her brother lacks.
see also lacking
Extra Examples
- He lacks confidence.
- Some houses still lack basic amenities such as bathrooms.
- He apparently lacked the desire to learn.
- Her high-heeled shoes gave her the height she otherwise lacked.
- His claim clearly lacked conviction.
- His life seemed to lack direction.
- Perhaps you simply lack the intelligence to realize just how serious this is?
- She completely lacks confidence.
- What they lack in talent, they make up for in conviction.
Oxford Collocations Dictionary
adverb
- really
- completely
- entirely
- …
verb + lack
- appear to
- seem to
preposition
- in
See full entry
Word OriginMiddle English: corresponding to, and perhaps partly from, Middle Dutch and Middle Low German lak ‘deficiency’, Middle Dutch laken ‘lack, blame’.

Idioms

have/lack the courage of your convictions

to be/not be brave enough to do what you feel to be right
- You need to have the courage of your convictions.
Topics Personal qualitiesc2

lack (for) nothing

(formal) to have everything that you need
- As the only child of wealthy parents, he lacked for nothing.