ENGLISH
REFERENCE

lacking

adj. · n.
US //ˈɫækɪŋ// UK //lˈækɪŋ// lack·ing
  1. 1 missing a quality (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    not having enough of something, especially a good quality or a necessary skill.

    deficient in a specific quality, attribute, or requirement. Often follows the verb 'to be' and takes the preposition 'in'.

    Example

    The team played well, but their final performance was lacking in energy.

    Example

    While the technical execution of the concerto was flawless, the judges found the emotional depth of the performance somewhat lacking.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the pattern 'be lacking in [something]' or as a standalone adjective meaning 'unsatisfactory'.
    Pitfall
    The soup is lacking of salt.
    The soup is lacking in salt.

    When using 'lacking' as an adjective to show what is missing, use the preposition 'in', not 'of'.

  2. 2 the state of absence (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    the state of not having something that you should have.

    the state or instance of being without something desirable or necessary; a deficiency.

    Example

    The main problem with the plan was a total lacking of clear instructions.

    Example

    The report highlighted a persistent lacking of oversight within the department, which led to several administrative errors.

    Usage

    Often used with 'of' when functioning as a gerund-noun.

    Teacher's tip

    In modern English, 'lack' is much more common as a noun than 'lacking'. Suggest 'a lack of' to students for most contexts.

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