in want of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in want of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe a need or deficiency of something - either literal or figurative. For example, "The house was in want of a fresh coat of paint."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Continentals at Hillsboro were "in want of everything except arms," many "almost naked," and large numbers unable to take the field for want of shoes.

University of Chicago

Olympians die in penury and in want of medical attention.

The New York Times

So ordinary people hesitate, in want of a reliable guide.

The Guardian

Once a canon, Copernicus was rarely in want of money.

The New York Times

Therefore I am seriously ill, being in want of the necessaries of life and bodily..

University of California, Berkeley

The countryside was not the only thing in want of taming.

The New York Times

Prime Suspect left the viewer in want of a hot shower.

Independent

Or an apartment in want of $150,000 worth of renovations.

The New York Times

Gordon Brown has been tested and found in want of almost every attribute a leader needs.

The Guardian - Opinion

Overall, the Surface 2 is a solid device in want of a market.

The Guardian - Tech

There may not be an easy next step for every person in want of promotion.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in want of" when you want to add a touch of formality or literary flair to your writing. It suggests a lack or need in a slightly more elevated style than simply saying "needing".

Common error

Avoid using "in want of" in very informal contexts or spoken language, as it can sound stilted or unnatural. Opt for simpler alternatives like "needing" or "lacking" for everyday conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in want of" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of needing or lacking something. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it often adds a layer of formality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in want of" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to express a need or lack of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media, followed by academic contexts, suggesting a slightly formal register. While it is a common phrase, be mindful of the context to ensure it aligns with the desired tone. Consider alternatives like "in need of" or "lacking" for less formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in need of

Direct synonym, emphasizing a requirement or necessity.

lacking

Implies absence or deficiency of something.

deficient in

Highlights a specific shortage or inadequacy.

requiring

Focuses on the necessity of something being provided.

desiring

Suggests a wish or longing for something.

in short supply of

Emphasizes a scarcity or limited availability.

craving

Indicates a strong desire or yearning.

yearning for

Conveys a deep and emotional longing.

missing

Simple and direct indication of something absent.

without

Indicates absence, but can imply a lack of something necessary.

FAQs

How to use "in want of" in a sentence?

You can use "in want of" to indicate a lack or need for something. For example, "The old house was in want of repair" or "The refugees were in want of food and shelter".

What can I say instead of "in want of"?

You can use alternatives like "in need of", "lacking", or "requiring" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "in want of" or "wanting"?

Both "in want of" and "wanting" can be correct, but they have different nuances. "In want of" is more formal and emphasizes a need, while "wanting" is more direct and can refer to a desire or wish.

What's the difference between "in need of" and "in want of"?

"In need of" generally implies a more pressing or essential requirement than "in want of". "In want of" can suggest a more general lack or a desire for something that isn't strictly necessary.