1
Core quality
Missing, absent, or insufficient in a quality, resource, or feature that is needed or expected.
Example
The claim is persuasive in tone but lacking in evidence.
lacking
/ˈlækɪŋ/ · LAK-ingadjective
Missing, absent, or insufficient in a quality, resource, or feature that is needed or expected.
Use lacking to express this relationship precisely: missing, absent, or insufficient in a quality, resource, or feature that is needed or expected.
What lacking Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
The region is lacking adequate transport links.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
Reviewers found the conclusion clear but lacking nuance.
Use lacking Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The claim is persuasive in tone but lacking in evidence.
The region is lacking adequate transport links.
Reviewers found the conclusion clear but lacking nuance.
Precision Matters
Lacking overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
lacking
vs.Means missing, absent, or insufficient in a quality, resource, or feature that is needed or expected.
depleted
Means used up, exhausted, or greatly reduced in amount or strength.
lacking
vs.Means missing, absent, or insufficient in a quality, resource, or feature that is needed or expected.
paucity
Means a scarcity or insufficient amount of something.
lacking
vs.Means missing, absent, or insufficient in a quality, resource, or feature that is needed or expected.
copious
Means abundant or plentiful in quantity.
lacking
vs.Means missing, absent, or insufficient in a quality, resource, or feature that is needed or expected.
prolific
Means producing a large amount of work, results, or offspring.
Test lacking in Context
The proposal does not contain enough supporting evidence.
1
Although ambitious, the proposal was ___ in the specific evidence needed to justify its cost.