lack

The word "lack" is very similar to the negative form of the verb "have." (lack = do not have)

• They lack a good plan for improving their business.
• They don’t have a good plan for improving their business.
• He lacks a good education.
• He doesn’t have a good education.
• This neighborhood lacked a grocery store until last year.
• This neighborhood didn’t have a grocery store until last year.

You can also use the word "lack" as a noun:

• There’s a lack of understanding among the people involved in this situation.
• A lack of clean water and proper sanitation caused an outbreak of disease.
• Joe didn’t get the job because of his lack of knowledge.
• The lack of concern shown by the rich towards the poor may eventually cause problems later.

He’s suffering from a lack of water.

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This page was first published on May 6, 2012. It was updated on January 29, 2016.