<p><strong>Noun:</strong></p><ul><li>an absence or inadequate amount of something needed, desirable, or customary:<ul><li>"We had to severely limit our holiday gift shopping due to lack of funds."</li><li>"Lack of skill is the main reason he didn’t get the job."</li></ul></li><li>Synonyms: need, want, insufficiency, deficit, paucity, scarcity, dearth</li><li>Antonyms: surplus</li><li>something missing or needed:<ul><li>"After he left, they really felt the lack."</li></ul></li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used with object):</strong></p><ul><li>to be without or deficient in:<ul><li>"She wants to become an actor, but unfortunately she lacks ability."</li><li>"Many of the villagers lacked even the basic necessities of life."</li></ul></li><li>Synonyms: need, want</li><li>to fall short of a target or requirement by (a particular amount):<ul><li>"He lacks three votes to win."</li></ul></li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used without object):</strong></p><ul><li>to be absent or missing, as something needed or desirable:<ul><li>"Three votes are lacking to make a majority."</li></ul></li></ul><p><strong>Verb Phrase:</strong></p><ul><li>to be short of or deficient in:<ul><li>"What he lacks in brains, he makes up for in brawn."</li></ul></li></ul>