Definition of "lack" in English

noun

1. A deficiency or need (of something desirable or necessary); an absence, want, dearth.

2. (obsolete) A defect or failing; moral or spiritual degeneracy.

verb

1. (transitive, stative) To be without, not to have, to need, to require.

   • My life lacks excitement.

2. (intransitive) To be short (of or for something).

   • He'll never lack for company while he's got all that money.

3. (intransitive, obsolete) To be in want.

4. (obsolete) To see the deficiency in (someone or something); to find fault with, to malign, reproach.

5. (African-American Vernacular) To be off one's guard.

   • His opps caught him lacking.

noun

1. Archaic form of lakh.

   • a lack of rupees