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.

lack water

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.