want
40
4.3
- noun
- /wɑnt/
- To compound the problem, the government agricultural-extension services collapsed for want of funds, cutting off a source of advice.
- a want of support
- for want of
Examples
-
You do not feel the need to understand until after your fullest want has been denied.
Fiction book (1999) -
It was my understanding that Captain Bingley was in want of a wife.
-
Are you in want of cash?
-
That shows a want of feeling.
-
Many thousands are in want of common comfort, sir.
-
The whole region was dying for want of work.
-
Surely, I would think, there must be some decent fellow somewhere in want of a young and grateful wife?
Fiction book (2002) -
The letter concluded: "I labor under considerable disadvantage from the want of libraries and scientific journals."
Academic text (2000) -
The Norfolk pine on the terrace was wilting for want of water; it didn't matter.
Fiction book (1990) -
Many people suffer from want in their daily lives, struggling to find enough food and shelter.
Synonyms
∞
1.3
Not having something you need or want
584
2.0
A situation of having very little money and few things
131
2.1
A situation when people lack basic things such as food or shelter
87
4.5
Not having enough of something that is needed
67
6.2
Not having basic things you need, like food, shelter, or sleep
4
9.3
A lack of basic things needed to live, like food or shelter
1
4.6
Being very poor and not having basic things like food and shelter
1
7.0
A state of needing basic things like food or shelter
Antonyms
Idioms
Compounds
How Deprived
Surface Forms
Etymology
The noun want originally meant 'lack' from the old Norse vanta meaning 'to lack', so to be 'in want' is to be 'in need' or short of things you need.