wanting

[won-ting, wawn-] / ˈwɒn tɪŋ, ˈwɔn- /

ADJECTIVE

lacking, inadequate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

deficient unfulfilled

STRONG

absent bankrupt cooked deprived disappointing empty failing gone missing needed omitted scant short shy

WEAK

away bereft burned out cut off defective destitute devoid faulty half-baked imperfect in default incomplete inferior less minus not good enough not up to par out of gas patchy poor scanty scarce sketchy substandard too little too late unsound

Antonyms

STRONG

adequate enough existing present sufficient

WEAK

perfect satisfactory

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Many people who worked for him describe desperately wanting his approval.

From Salon • Jul. 5, 2026

Outside the Tahiti, frustrations boiled over as families trying to recover bodies shouted at others wanting to clear the way for a potential rescue.

From Barron's • Jul. 3, 2026

One says top officials wanting to take extended leave "should resign".

From BBC • Jul. 2, 2026

Despite his recent struggles, Soriano has been the subject of trade deadline speculation, with the Angels reportedly not wanting to move him and other young players.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 30, 2026

“I hired someone to find you,” I say, wanting to prove I never got too far from the path.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy

Vocabulary lists containing wanting

Nobody's Home: Synonyms For "Absent"

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Absent

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Lacking

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