# lacking

/ˈɫækɪŋ/ (US) · /lˈækɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lacking
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. missing a quality

adjective · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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'.

### 2. the state of absence

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the state of not having something that you should have.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The team is lacking the confidence to win today.
- The report was well-written but ultimately lacking the specific data needed to support its main argument.
- While the film's visual effects are undeniably impressive, it is sadly lacking the emotional depth and character development that made the original book so compelling.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.