wanting

[won-ting, wawn-]

adjective

1. lacking or absent.

   a motor with some of the parts wanting.

2. deficient in some part, thing, or respect.

   to be wanting in courtesy.

preposition

1. lacking; without.

   a box wanting a lid.

2. less; minus.

   a century wanting three years.

wanting

/ ˈwɒntɪŋ /

adjective

1. lacking or absent; missing

2. not meeting requirements or expectations

   you have been found wanting

preposition

1. without

2. archaic,  minus

Word History and Origins

Origin of wanting¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English (adjective); want + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Spurs have previously spoken about wanting to close the gap on the top clubs in the WSL but they lost ground last season and have acted slowly this summer.

From BBC

Hudler sprinted off the field, ignoring teammates wanting to high-five him in the dugout for saving two runs, and into the visiting clubhouse, where he stashed the ball in his locker for safekeeping.

From Los Angeles Times

Anutin, 58, is a seasoned politician and dealmaker who in the past has made no secret of wanting the top job.

From BBC

Sometimes that comes across the wrong way, maybe like me being a bit bullish, but it is just me wanting to help.

From BBC

When I say, “Just because you can doesn’t mean you should,” there are times when you can do something with your instrument, but it’s coming from a place of wanting to prove something.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• deficient 
• unfulfilled