Cambridge Dictionaries online Cambridge Dictionaries online

The most popular online dictionary and thesaurus for learners of English

  

lack

verb [T]
 
 
/læk/

Definition

B2 to not have or not have enough of something that is needed or wanted: He just lacks a little confidence. What we lack in this house is space to store things. We are lacking three members of staff due to illness.Lacking thingsScarce, inadequate and not enoughEssential or necessaryScarce, inadequate and not enoughLacking things
(Definition of lack verb from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

Word of the Day

come rain or shine

whatever happens

Word of the Day

Blog

Read our blog about how the English language behaves.

Learn More

New Words

Find words and meanings that have just started to be used in English, and let us know what you think of them.

Learn More