Langimage
English

wanting

|want/ing|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈwɑːntɪŋ/

🇬🇧

/ˈwɒntɪŋ/

(want)

desire or lack

Base Form3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleNounNoun
wantwantswantedwantedwantingwantsunwantedness
Etymology
Etymology Information

'wanting' originates from Old Norse, specifically the word 'vanta', where 'vant' meant 'to lack'.

Historical Evolution

'vanta' transformed into the Middle English word 'wanting', and eventually became the modern English word 'wanting'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to lack something', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

lacking in a certain required or necessary quality.

His explanation was wanting in clarity.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 2

not present or in short supply.

Several key players were wanting from the team.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39