/ læk; NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun
[ U , sing. ] lack (of sth) the state of not having sth or not having enough of sth
SYN dearth , shortage :
a lack of food / money / skills
The trip was cancelled through lack of (= because there was not enough) interest.
There was no lack of volunteers.
•
IDIOMS
see try verb
■ verb
[ vn ] [ no passive ] to have none or not enough of sth :
Some houses still lack basic amenities such as bathrooms.
He lacks confidence.
She has the determination that her brother lacks.
—see also lacking
•
IDIOMS
- lack (for) nothing
—more at courage
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : corresponding to, and perhaps partly from, Middle Dutch and Middle Low German lak deficiency, Middle Dutch laken lack, blame.