B1noun 1K

Lack

UK //læk// US //læk// Pronunciation

Definition

The state of not having enough of something.

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In simple words: not having something you need or want

Examples

• There is a lack of water in the desert.
• His lack of experience was evident during the interview.
• They expressed concern over the lack of food for the needy.
• The lack of communication caused misunderstandings.
• She felt a lack of support from her friends.

Usage notes

Use 'lack' to indicate omission or deficiency. It is more suitable in neutral contexts than in formal ones.

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Grammar pattern

lack + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'lack' as a 'lack of luck' when trying to find something.

Collocations

• lack of resources
• lack of interest
• lack of evidence
• lack of time

Synonyms

• deficiency
• shortage
• absence
• dearth
• want

Antonyms

• abundance
• surplus
• plenty

Common mistakes

• Confusing 'lack' with 'lack of' when talking about general absence.
• Using it with uncountable nouns incorrectly.
• Misplacing the verb forms in sentences.