English Reference

Word

lacking

Phoneticslack·ing, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈɫækɪŋ/

UK/lˈækɪŋ/

Definitions

01missing a quality

B2 · Upper Intermediate

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

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

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

“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'.

Synonyms

deficientinsufficientwanting

Antonyms

sufficientabundant

02the state of absence

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal

n. the state of not having something that you should have.

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

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

“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.

Teaching tip

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

Synonyms

absencedearthshortage

Antonyms

presencesurplus

Real-World Examples

“Students were admitted to newly formed public universities lacking the reading skills those schools expected.”
The Conversation 23 Jul 2026
“Maxence Lacroix and Morgan Rogers bring quality to positions where Chelsea were lacking it – at centre-back and out wide.”
The Guardian 12 Aug 2026

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Common
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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