WANTING

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does wanting mean? 

• WANTING (adjective)
  The adjective WANTING has 2 senses:

1. nonexistent

2. inadequate in amount or degree

  Familiarity information: WANTING used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• WANTING (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Nonexistent

Synonyms:

absent; lacking; missing; wanting

Context example:

her appetite was lacking

Similar:

nonexistent (not having existence or being or actuality)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Inadequate in amount or degree

Synonyms:

deficient; lacking; wanting

Context example:

tested and found wanting

Similar:

inadequate; unequal (lacking the requisite qualities or resources to meet a task)

 Context examples 

I have written to Lestrade asking him to supply us with the details which are now wanting, and which he will only get after he has secured his man.

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

It is just possible, however, that that also may not be wanting in this new investigation.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Has no dread of wanting "life" in the future.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

The scheme had received its first impulse by Captain Harville's wanting to come to Bath on business.

(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)

He looked at her, as if wanting to read her thoughts.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

I would rather you let that alone, said the man, for I do not willingly give myself up to be eaten; if you are wanting food I have enough to satisfy your hunger.

(Fairy Tales, by The Brothers Grimm)

You are a very strange creature by way of a friend!—always wanting me to play and sing before anybody and everybody!

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

The early habit of reading was wanting.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

The grace and harmony of beauty are quite wanting in those features.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

Colonel Brandon must be the man; and no civility shall be wanting on my part to make him pleased with you and your family.

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)