lacking

/ˈlækɪŋ/

Say it: LAK-ing

1. adjective Not having something that is needed or expected; being without.
The recipe was good, but the final dish was lacking salt.
2. adjective Not good enough; failing to meet a standard or requirement.
After a review, his performance was found lacking and he was put on a development plan.
3. adjective Used with 'in' to specify a missing personal quality or characteristic.
He's a brilliant strategist but seems to be lacking in empathy.

📖 Seen in the wild

The proposal was ultimately rejected due to its lacking detail and clear objectives.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ lacking in a sentence

The prosecution's case was dismissed because it was lacking sufficient evidence.
Her apology felt hollow, lacking any real sincerity.
The town's infrastructure is sorely lacking after years of neglect.
Despite his enthusiasm, the young intern was lacking the experience needed for the project.
I feel like my life is lacking direction at the moment.
The initial draft was promising but lacking a strong conclusion.
The team has talent, but it is lacking a true leader.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

deficient wanting missing inadequate insufficient devoid short bereft

deficient · stronger; implies a failure to meet a necessary standard.

wanting · more formal or literary; suggests something is not up to the required level.

missing · focuses on the complete absence of a specific, expected component.

inadequate · emphasizes that what is available is not enough for a particular purpose.

Opposites: abundant, plentiful, sufficient, replete, complete

🌱 Where it comes from

The word 'lacking' is the present participle of the verb 'lack', which entered English around the 13th century from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German 'lak', meaning 'deficiency' or 'fault'. Initially, it carried a sense of blame or failure, but over time it softened to its modern, more neutral meaning of simply 'being without'.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

lacking insorely lackingsadly lackingfound lackinglacking evidencelacking confidence

'Lacking' is a versatile adjective used to point out an absence. It is very commonly followed by the preposition 'in' to specify the missing quality, as in 'lacking in tact'. While it describes a negative situation (an absence), the word itself is fairly neutral and objective. It is less harsh than synonyms like 'deficient' or 'inadequate', making it a common choice in polite or formal criticism.

Word family: lack

💬 Quick answers

What does 'lacking' mean?

It means that something is missing or that there is not enough of something. It can refer to physical objects, abstract qualities, or necessary skills.

What is the difference between 'lacking' and 'deficient'?

'Lacking' simply states that something is absent. 'Deficient' is a stronger term, implying that what is present fails to meet a required standard or is functionally incomplete.

How is 'lacking' used in a sentence?

It is often followed by the preposition 'in' when describing a quality, as in 'lacking in confidence'. It can also be used directly before a noun, like 'a lacking report', though this is less common.

Is 'lacking' a negative word?

Yes, it has a negative connotation because it points out an absence or a shortfall. However, it is often a neutral observation of fact rather than a harsh criticism.

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