1
as in insufficient
not coming up to an expected measure or meeting a particular need
we felt the afternoon television offerings were somewhat lacking in entertainment value
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in absent
not present or in evidence
for the moment anyway, wood for the fireplace is lacking
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lacking
James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
It can be used to crudely express boredom, annoyance or to signal that something is self-indulgent or lacking purpose.
—Sofi Zeman
august 8, Kansas City Star, 8 Aug. 2025
But conviction, not to mention inspiration, are somewhat lacking.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
That is not to say that his coverage abilities are in any way lacking, but the Jaguars might see more value in Hunter catching passes to start.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
It can be used to crudely express boredom, annoyance or to signal that something is self-indulgent or lacking purpose.
—Sofi Zeman
august 8, Kansas City Star, 8 Aug. 2025
But conviction, not to mention inspiration, are somewhat lacking.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 6 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lacking
Adjective
-
The concern is that whatever AI safeguards might have been put in place are insufficient and are allowing people to incur mental harm while using generative AI.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
-
On both points, Kennedy argued that the publicly available data was insufficient.—
Alexandra Hutzler,
ABC News,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
And in Longo’s image, the subtext is the absent laborer.—
Kristen Tauer,
Footwear News,
6 Sep. 2025
-
If students were not in class, they would be marked absent but would be excused if a parent called them out.—
Alec Johnson,
jsonline.com,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Set of 4 6-Ounce Ramekins This four-piece stoneware ramekin set is just begging to be added to your fall tablescape—and don’t forget about it when Thanksgiving rolls around either.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Your sleep paralysis demon is begging you to read Herculine.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Treat storage as a scarce public good.—
Phil De Luna,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Water is scarce, rationed to just three hours a day in some districts, and packs of stray dogs roam the city.—
Yegor Mostovshikov,
The Dial,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Milwaukee police are seeking the public's help in locating a critically missing 11-year-old girl.—
Kelli Arseneau,
jsonline.com,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Like the other mishap, McRae kicked her foot, and her white shoe went missing.—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The report also stated that safety protocols in place were inadequate.—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
7 Sep. 2025
-
The United Kingdom even suspended publication of an official unemployment rate because of inadequate responses.—
Paul Wiseman,
Fortune,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Police are asking residents to call 305-474-6473 to report sightings of stray or aggressive dogs.—
Devoun Cetoute,
Miami Herald,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Designing Good User Interview Questions The art of great user interviews comes from asking questions that prompt authentic stories, not just the users' opinions.—
Alexander Jabbour,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Steer clear of puddles - Driving into puddles or low areas of rainwater can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lacking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lacking. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
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