- 1[countable, usually plural] something that you need or want She spent her life pandering to the wants of her children.
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lack - 2[uncountable, singular] want of something (formal) a situation in which there is not enough of something; a lack of something a want of adequate medical facilities
- 3[uncountable] (formal) the state of being poor, not having food, etc. Visitors to the slums were clearly shocked to see so many families living in want. Idioms
something you need
because of a lack of something; because something is not available The project failed for want of financial backing. We call our music “postmodern” for the want of a better word. We went for a walk for want of something better to do.
needing something The present system is in want of a total review.
used to say that if something is not successful, it is not because of a lack of effort If he doesn't manage to convince them, it won't be for want of trying.
Check pronunciation: want