This lesson looks at the word “lack” and gives the meaning with sample sentences. Many IELTS students make mistakes using this word. Although many students understanding the meaning, they make mistakes with how to use it accurately. The more mistakes you make, the lower your score will be. So, make sure you read this lesson carefully.
Word Form and Meaning
- lack (n) = being without / not having enough
- lack (vb) = being without / being deficient
- synonyms = shortage, scarcity, loss, shortfall
- antonyms = sufficiency, enough, abundance, plenty
Please remember that a synonym has a similar meaning but may not always be used in the exactly the same way. You must learn both meaning and how to use words to avoid mistakes in IELTS.
About the word “lack”
- Students mainly confuse verb and noun as well as how to use prepositions: “a lack of” (n) or “it is lacking in” (vb).
- This word can be used for both IELTS speaking and writing task 2.
Sample Sentences with “lack”
- Due to the lack of employment opportunities in the countryside, a large number of workers are moving to cities to find work.
- Under developed countries are often lacking the adequate infrastructure needed for the development of the economy.
- Many children are struggling with weight problems due to the lack of physical exercise and a diet rich in fat and sugar.
- Many modern films have a lot of special effects but are lacking in quality dialogue and character development.
- One of the benefits of living in the countryside is the lack of noise.
- Lack of sleep can really affect my mood. It sometimes makes me impatient and irritable.
Error Correction
Find the mistakes in the sentences below for the word “lack”. This exercise will help you develop the accuracy needed to use this word correctly.
- Some people lacking the imagination needed to become a good writer of children’s books.
- Many major cities have lacking of public transport which can result in more people using their own private vehicles.
- Young leaders are often lack of the experience needed to make the right decisions for successful companies.
Here are some possible options for how to write the above sentences correctly.
- Some people lack the imagination needed to become a good writer of children’s books. / Some people are lacking the imagination needed to become a good writer of children’s books.
- Many major cities lack public transport which can result in more people using their own private vehicles. / Many major cities have a lack of public transport which can result in more people using their own private vehicles.
- Young leaders often lack the experience needed to make the right decisions for successful companies. / Young leaders are often lacking in the experience needed to make the right decisions for successful companies.
Never memorise sentences to use in your IELTS test.
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