Skip to main content
want

want

17 4.3
A lack of the things needed to live
  • noun
  • /wɑnt/
translation icon : falta
  • 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

lack
vswant
1.3

Not having something you need or want

is the broader state of shortage or absence of necessities
need
vswant
564 2.1

A situation when people lack basic things such as food or shelter

is broader, covering any shortage or shortfall, not only destitution
poverty
vswant
550 2.0

A situation of having very little money and few things

is the general idea of shortage or absence, not only low income
deficiency
vswant
98 4.5

Not having enough of something that is needed

is the overall shortage idea, not only measurable shortfalls
deprivation
vswant
76 6.2

Not having basic things you need, like food, shelter, or sleep

is the broad lack concept, not focused on process or loss
privation
vswant
5 9.3

A lack of basic things needed to live, like food or shelter

is the general shortage term without stressing extreme hardship
neediness
vswant
1 4.6

Being very poor and not having basic things like food and shelter

is the broader state of shortage, not limited to extreme cases
needfulness
vswant
7.0

A state of needing basic things like food or shelter

is the general idea of shortage, not only absence of basics

Antonyms

1.0

A large amount that is more than needed

91 3.3

A large amount of something, more than you need

Idioms

To have everything you need and wish for

Use things carefully so you do not run out later

Compounds

want ad
  • US
9 2.9

An ad in a newspaper asking for things like jobs or items

How Deprived

destitution
7 7.9
poverty
550 2.0
want
17 4.3
shortage
253 2.7
abundance
91 3.3

Surface Forms

want singular
wants plural

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.