lack

lack¹ W2S3 [læk] n [singular, U]

when there is not enough of something, or none of it

= ↑shortage lack of

▪ new parents suffering from lack of sleep

▪ Too many teachers are treated with a lack of respect.

▪ comments based on a total lack of information

▪ Does their apparent lack of progress mean they are not doing their job properly?

▪ tours that are cancelled for lack of bookings

▪ There was no lack of willing helpers.

▪ health problems linked to poor diet and a relative lack of exercise

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COLLOCATES for sense 1

a complete/total lack of something

an apparent lack of something

for lack of something (=because something is not present or does not exist)

a distinct/marked lack of something

no lack of something (=plenty of something)

a relative/comparative lack of something

no lack of something (=plenty of something)

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lack ²

lack² W3 v

[Date: 1200-1300; : Middle Dutch; Origin: laken]

1.) [T]

to not have something that you need, or not have enough of it

▪ Alex's real problem is that he lacks confidence.

2.) not lack for sth

formal to have a lot of something

▪ He does not lack for critics.

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HINT sense 1

Do not use the verb lack before 'in' or 'of': We lack ideas (NOT We lack in/of ideas). However, you can use the phrases be lacking in and a lack: We are lacking in ideas OR We have a lack of ideas.

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