Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English - lack

~1 n the state of not having something, or of not having enough of it + of  (Lack of vitamin B can produce a variety of symptoms.) a complete/distinct/marked/total lack of  (Rosie was showing a marked lack of interest in her school work. | for/through lack of (=because there is a lack of))  (new mums, exhausted through lack of sleep | no lack of (=used when there is a lot of something))  (There was no lack of willing helpers.) ~2 v 1 to not have something that you need, or not have enough of it  (Alex's real problem is that he lacks confidence.) 2 lack for nothing formal to have everything that you need  (Russell's parents made sure that he lacked for nothing.)