lacking
/ˈlækɪŋ/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: lackings
Sense 1
Meaning · English
The absence of something that is desirable or otherwise ought to be present.
Noun
Examples
Cagliostro, however, whatever his moral lackings, did not lack spirit; he was not the man to succumb to this kind of coercion.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Missing or not having enough of (a good quality, etc).
Adjective
Examples
This cheese is lacking in pungency.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “lacking” mean?
The absence of something that is desirable or otherwise ought to be present.
Is “lacking” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.