I.lack1 S3 W2 /læk/ noun[SINGULAR, UNCOUNTABLE] when there is not enough of something, or none of it SYN shortage OPP surplus 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 • • • COLLOCATIONS adjectives ▪a complete/total lack of something ▪ I was amazed by his almost total lack of interest in music. ▪a relative/comparative lack of something ▪ There is a relative lack of research into this medical condition. ▪a distinct/marked/conspicuous lack of something (=very noticeable) ▪ She looked at him with a marked lack of enthusiasm. ▪an apparent lack of something (=one that seems to exist) ▪ Adam's apparent lack of concern angered his brother. phrases ▪there is no lack of something (=there is plenty of it) ▪ There is no lack of information on the subject.
II.lack2 W3verb [date : 1200-1300; Language : Middle Dutch; Origin : laken] 1. [TRANSITIVE] to not have something that you need, or not have enough of it: ▪ Alex’s real problem is that he lacks confidence. ► Do not use ‘in’ or ‘of’ after the verb lack: We lack ideas (NOT We lack in/of ideas). However, you can use these prepositions after be lacking in and a lack: We are lacking in ideas. | There is a lack of ideas.
2. not lack for something formal to have a lot of something: ▪ He does not lack for critics.
lack