lack

 
Pronunciation: /lak/

noun

[mass noun] (usually lack of)
  • the state of being without or not having enough of something: there is no lack of entertainment aboard ship the case was dismissed for lack of evidence [in singular]: there is a lack of parking space in the town

verb

[with object]
  • be without or deficient in: the novel lacks imagination [no object]: she lacks in patience Sam did not lack for friends

Origin:

Middle English: corresponding to, and perhaps partly from, Middle Dutch and Middle Low German lak 'deficiency', Middle Dutch laken 'lack, blame'