Phrase guide

for want of

prep · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • rhymes with -ʌv

1

prep

Meaning 1

Because of the absence of.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • for want of a better word
  • I did not pass it, though not for want of trying.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: for lack of

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

8 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Dutch: bij gebrek aan — Translations
  • Finnish: puutteessa — Translations
  • French: faute de — Translations
  • French: à défaut de — Translations
  • German: mangels — Translations
  • Eastern Mari: укеште (ukešte) — Translations
  • Polish: z braku — Translations
  • Swedish: i avsaknad av — Translations