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.

“You’re definitely going to have people kind of wanting to capitalize on any sort of pop that occurs, so trading could definitely bounce around quite a bit,” Smith said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

Contributors discuss assigned topics -- ranging from politics to entertainment -- for clients wanting to process speech patterns.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

It has repeatedly attacked commercial ships seeking to transit without its permission, and it set up an entity known as the Persian Gulf Strait Authority to try to charge vessels wanting to cross the waterway.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

This at least is a possible reason for Epstein wanting to know someone like Gates - who, while not a politician, is a global figure with significant networks and influence.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

I look away from him, not wanting him to see the regret that still hides under the surface of my success.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

Vocabulary lists containing wanting

Nobody's Home: Synonyms For "Absent"

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Absent

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Lacking

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