Lacking
'læːkɪŋ
Definitions
Deficient or wanting; not having enough of something.
'læːkɪŋ
Not having or not possessing something; deficient.
The report was lacking in factual accuracy.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're making a cake and you're 'lacking' eggs. It means you don't have enough of that ingredient, so your cake might not turn out right! Or, if your story is lacking adventure, it might be a bit boring.
👶 For kids: When something is missing or doesn't have enough of something.
More Examples
He felt lacking confidence before the presentation.
The performance was lacking in energy.
How It's Used
"The essay was lacking in originality."
"The company's revenue was lacking compared to the previous quarter."
"A diet lacking in essential vitamins can lead to health problems."
Synonyms
From Middle English lakken, meaning 'to be missing'. Derived from Old English *lācian ('to be wanting, fail'). Influenced by Old Norse *lāka ('to be slack, diminish').
The word 'lacking' has been used in English since the 14th century. Originally 'lacking' meant 'to fail' or 'to be wanting'.
Memory tip
Think of a 'lac' (like a lake) that is empty – 'lacking'.