Definitions

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.

Charles Lemonides, the founder and chief investment officer of ValueWorks, said this is the best play for investors wanting to jump on the AI trend with a broad-based semiconductor manufacturer.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

“Eat Me,” directed by Caitlin Sullivan, plays cat and mouse with its audience, not wanting to give away its secrets.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

Webster, sidelined with a serious ACL injury since July 2025, has spoken publicly about wanting to stay.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

It was love, yes, but also wanting a catnap because Hersh was still tired from his night out.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

She landed so close she drenched me with water but in her mad run she’d left the bank blind, wanting only to get in the water and away from the maddening flies.

From "Woodsong" by Gary Paulsen

Vocabulary lists containing wanting

Nobody's Home: Synonyms For "Absent"

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Absent

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Lacking

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