Words / B1

LAK/læk/

Lack as a noun is not having enough: a lack of sleep / money / experience. As a verb: they lack confidence. Shortage is often about supplies (a shortage of water). Absence is complete missing, not just “not enough.” Do not write “lack of” after the verb they lack.

Meaning

The state of not having enough of something.

Examples

• “The project failed from a lack of money.”
• “The team lacks experience at this level.”
• “There is a lack of evidence for that claim.”

Good to know

a lack of + noun. Verb: lack + noun (no “of”). Nearby: shortage.

Near in meaning

shortage

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