How Do You Spell LACK?

Pronunciation: [lˈak] (IPA)

The word "lack" is spelled with four letters and is pronounced /læk/ in IPA phonetics. The 'l' sound is created by placing the tip of the tongue on the alveolar ridge behind the upper front teeth. The 'a' sound is pronounced with an open mouth and a low tongue position. The 'ck' sound is created by a sudden release of air after closing the back of the mouth. "Lack" is a common noun meaning the absence or deficiency of something.

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Plural
Conjugate verb
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LACK Meaning and Definition

  1. Lack is a noun that refers to the state or condition of not having or possessing something that is desired, necessary, or required. It is characterized by the absence or scarcity of a specific attribute, quality, or resource. Essentially, lack signifies the insufficiency or dearth of something, indicating that there is a deprivation or need.

    It can be used to describe various situations or contexts, including personal, social, or material aspects. For instance, one can experience a lack of food, money, education, resources, opportunities, or even emotional support. The term is often associated with the feeling of deficiency or the absence of an expected or desired element.

    Furthermore, lack can also imply the absence of a particular feature or characteristic. In this sense, it might denote the deficiency or inadequacy of a certain trait, skill, or capacity. For example, one might mention the lack of confidence, knowledge, experience, or talent in a specific area.

    The concept of lack is significant in understanding varying degrees of scarcity, insufficiency, or unmet needs. It can serve as a starting point for identifying what is absent and allows individuals, communities, or institutions to strategize, plan, and take action to overcome or alleviate the shortfall.

  2. • Want; deficiency; need.
    • To want; to be destitute of; to be in want.
    • Another spelling of lac, which see.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for LACK *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for LACK

Etymology of LACK

The word "lack" comes from the Middle English "lakken", which in turn derives from the Old English word "læccan". The Old English term originally meant "to seize or grasp", but its meaning started to shift over time. By the 14th century, "lakken" had evolved to mean "to be wanting or in need of" or "to be without". This sense of deficiency or absence is the primary meaning of "lack" that persists in modern usage.

Idioms with the word LACK

  • have/lack the courage of your convictions The idiom "have/lack the courage of your convictions" refers to being unable or unwilling to act on or defend one's beliefs or principles, especially in the face of opposition or challenges. It implies that a person may possess strong convictions, but lacks the bravery or confidence to stand by them or take appropriate action.
  • lack (for) nothing The idiom "lack (for) nothing" means that someone has everything they need or desire, and does not experience any form of deprivation or scarcity. It implies that the person is completely satisfied with their material possessions, resources, or experiences.
  • lack direction The idiom "lack direction" means to not have a clear sense of purpose or goals, resulting in a lack of guidance or focus in one's actions or decisions. It implies a state of being lost or unsure about what to do or where to go.
  • not for (a) lack of trying The idiom "not for (a) lack of trying" means that someone has exerted great effort or made numerous attempts to achieve something but has been unsuccessful regardless. It suggests that the person has put in a lot of hard work or made a genuine effort to accomplish their goal.
  • not for want/lack of trying The idiom "not for want/lack of trying" means that despite making a considerable effort or trying very hard, the desired outcome or success has not been achieved. It implies that the individual or group has put in a lot of effort or worked diligently towards their goal, but various factors or circumstances have prevented them from succeeding so far.
  • lack for something The idiom "lack for something" means to be in need of or to not have enough of something. It implies a scarcity or insufficiency in a specific aspect or resource.
  • lack for The idiom "lack for" is typically used to express the absence or scarcity of something, particularly emphasizing the fact that someone or something is lacking in a particular quality, resource, or condition. It implies a sense of insufficiency or wanting.
  • lack the courage of (one's) convictions The idiom "lack the courage of (one's) convictions" refers to someone who is unable or unwilling to act in accordance with their own beliefs or principles, usually due to fear or insecurity. It implies that they doubt or lack confidence in their own convictions and therefore fail to take decisive actions or stand up for what they believe in.
  • lack for sth The idiom "lack for something" is used to express the absence or insufficiency of something, suggesting a shortage or a need for more. It implies not having enough of something necessary or desired.
  • not for lack/want of ˈtrying

Similar spelling words for LACK

Plural form of LACK is LACKS

Conjugate verb Lack

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have lacked
you would have lacked
he/she/it would have lacked
we would have lacked
they would have lacked
I would have lack
you would have lack
he/she/it would have lack
we would have lack
they would have lack

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been lacking
you would have been lacking
he/she/it would have been lacking
we would have been lacking
they would have been lacking

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would lack
you would lack
he/she/it would lack
we would lack
they would lack

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be lacking
you would be lacking
he/she/it would be lacking
we would be lacking
they would be lacking

FUTURE

I will lack
you will lack
he/she/it will lack
we will lack
they will lack

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be lacking
you will be lacking
he/she/it will be lacking
we will be lacking
they will be lacking

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have lacked
you will have lacked
he/she/it will have lacked
we will have lacked
they will have lacked

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been lacking
you will have been lacking
he/she/it will have been lacking
we will have been lacking
they will have been lacking

IMPERATIVE

you lack
we let´s lack

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to lack

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was lacking
you were lacking
he/she/it was lacking
we were lacking
they were lacking

PAST PARTICIPLE

lacked

PAST PERFECT

I had lacked
you had lacked
he/she/it had lacked
we had lacked
they had lacked

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been lacking
you had been lacking
he/she/it had been lacking
we had been lacking
they had been lacking

PRESENT

I lack
you lack
he/she/it lacks
we lack
they lack

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am lacking
you are lacking
he/she/it is lacking
we are lacking
they are lacking

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

lacking

PRESENT PERFECT

I have lacked
you have lacked
he/she/it has lacked
we have lacked
they have lacked

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been lacking
you have been lacking
he/she/it has been lacking
we have been lacking
they have been lacking

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it lack

SIMPLE PAST

I lacked
you lacked
he/she/it lacked
we lacked
they lacked

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