[mass noun]the state of being without or not having enough of something 缺少,缺乏 the case was dismissed for lack of evidence. 因缺乏证据该案件被撤销。 there is no lack of entertainment aboard ship. 在船上不缺少娱乐。 [in sing.]there is a lack of parking space in the town. 城里缺少停车的地方。
verb
[with obj.]be without or deficient in 缺乏,缺少 the novel lacks imagination. 这部小说缺乏想像。 [no obj.]she lacks in patience. 她缺少耐心。 Sam did not lack for friends. 萨姆并不缺少朋友。
语源
Middle English: corresponding to, and perhaps partly from, Middle Dutch and Middle Low German lak 'deficiency', Middle Dutch laken 'lack, blame'