lacking
a lack of common sense
The absence of sound, practical judgment. The more I pay attention to the news, the more I notice a consistent lack of common sense in politics. Do you have a total lack of common sense or something? Of course you have to wash your hands before you bandage a wound! A: "Todd really just put a pizza in the oven for 30 minutes without first turning it on." B: "Well, he's always had a lack of common sense."
I find your lack of (something) disturbing
Used to humorously call into question some quality that one finds lacking in someone else. Based on the phrase "I find your lack of faith disturbing," from the 1977 film Star Wars. All your art and writing is based on Star Wars? I find your lack of originality disturbing. If you really think that asinine plan will work, I find your lack of brain cells disturbing. I find your lack of creativity disturbing, Officer. These are known terrorists—they will do anything to carry out their plots.
lack common sense
To not have sound, practical judgment. The more I pay attention to the news, the more it seems that politicians completely lack common sense. Do you lack common sense or something? Of course you have to wash your hands before you bandage a wound! A: "Todd just put a pizza in the oven for 30 minutes without first turning it on." B: "Well, he has always lacked common sense."
lack for (something)
To lack something one or something wants or requires, or would benefit from. You don't need to get me anything for my birthday, Mom—I really lack for nothing. The only thing he lacks for is the motivation to put his skills to goof use.
lack the courage of (one's) convictions
To not have the confidence to act or behave in accordance with one's beliefs or ideologies, especially in the face of resistance, criticism, or persecution. The governor was presented with a bribe to help the corporation avoid regulation, and she accepted it because she lacked the courage of her convictions.
not for (a) lack of trying
Despite putting forth a significant amount of effort or energy. A: "So, did he get you to go on a date with him?" B: "No. Not for lack of trying, mind you." I'm sorry your team lost, but it wasn't for a lack of trying!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
lack for something
to lack something. We don't lack for new ideas. We lack for nothing, thank you.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
have/lack the courage of your conˈvictions
be/not be brave enough to do what you believe to be right: You say that cruelty to animals is wrong, so why not have the courage of your convictions and join our campaign?not for lack/want of ˈtrying
used to say that although somebody has not succeeded in something, they have tried very hard: He’s had no success in finding a job, though not for lack of trying.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
lack for
v.
To be in need of something or someone. Used chiefly in the negative: She is very popular and does not lack for friends. Because he's rich, he doesn't lack for luxuries.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.