What does "wanting" mean?

1. (missing or lacking) not having something that is needed or expected. 2. (not good enough) failing to reach a certain standard; not high enough quality. 3. (minus or without) less than or minus a certain amount.

How do you use "wanting"?

Usually used in specific regional or older constructions regarding time or money.

wanting

adj. · prep.

US //ˈwɑnɪŋ// UK //wˈɒntɪŋ// want·ing

1 missing or lacking (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

not having something that is needed or expected.

absent, lacking, or unavailable when required.

Example

We checked the supplies and found several important tools were wanting.

Example

The investigation revealed that the necessary safety protocols were wanting, leading to a total overhaul of the factory's operating procedures.
- present
- sufficient
2 not good enough (adj.)
C1 Advanced Formal Literary

failing to reach a certain standard; not high enough quality.

deficient in quality or character; failing to meet a required standard.

Example

The judge found the lawyer's argument wanting and dismissed the case.

Example

Despite his impressive academic credentials, his interpersonal skills were found wanting during the final round of executive interviews.

Teacher's tip

Often used in the phrase 'found wanting' to describe a person or plan that fails a test or evaluation.

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3 minus or without (prep.)
C2 Proficiency Archaic Dialect

less than or minus a certain amount.

less; short of; minus.

Example

It was now twenty minutes wanting five o'clock.

Example

The ledger showed the total was still ten pounds wanting the full amount required for the deposit.

Usage

Usually used in specific regional or older constructions regarding time or money.
- minus
- less
- short of
- plus

Etymology 1

From Middle English wantyng, wantynge, wantand, equivalent to want + -ing.

Etymology 2

From Middle English wantyng, wantynge, equivalent to want + -ing.