wanting for

USAGE SUMMARY

"wanting for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of lacking something or a need for something. For example, "The young boy was wanting for a father's support and guidance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Those kids are not wanting for anything.

The New York Times

He has not gone wanting for clients.

The New York Times

But it's not wanting for clarity or insight either.

The New York Times

But the women's department itself went wanting for attention.

The New York Times

That summer, we were not wanting for anything.

The Guardian

"I've been wanting for years to go there.

The New York Times

SINCE no subject today seems to be wanting for a cultural history, no subject is unimaginable.

The Economist

In each of these cases, the authorities were not wanting for data.

The New Yorker

Pence said he did not remember wanting for anything, but money was tight.

The New York Times - Sports

I subscribe to Talent Pro, and I have never found myself wanting for more InMails.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"The improvements also address what people had been wanting - for graphics-intensive tasks the extra memory will help a lot.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wanting for" to express a lack or need, ensuring the context clearly indicates what is missing or desired. For example, "They were not wanting for anything" means they had everything they needed.

Common error

Avoid using "wanting for" when you simply mean "wanting" (desiring). "Wanting for" implies a deficiency or need, not just a simple desire. Use "wanting" when expressing a wish, and "wanting for" when expressing a lack.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "wanting for" is that of a verb phrase acting as a modifier, indicating a state of need or deficiency. It modifies a noun or pronoun by specifying what it lacks. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "wanting for" functions as a verb phrase that indicates a lack or deficiency. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used, primarily in news, scientific, and wiki contexts. When using "wanting for", ensure you're expressing a true need rather than a simple desire, and consider alternatives like "lacking" or "in need of" to tailor the nuance. Be mindful of avoiding confusion with similar phrases. With a neutral register and a wealth of examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and BBC, understanding the proper usage of "wanting for" will enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking

Focuses on the state of being without something.

in need of

Highlights the necessity of something.

desiring

Emphasizes the wish or longing for something.

short of

Indicates a deficiency or insufficient amount.

deficient in

Highlights a specific area of lacking.

bereft of

Conveys a sense of loss or absence.

requiring

Focuses on something as a necessity.

needing

Highlights a basic requirement.

wishing for

Focuses on the expression of a desire.

hankering for

Expresses a strong craving or desire.

FAQs

How can I use "wanting for" in a sentence?

Use "wanting for" to indicate a lack or need. For example, "The project isn't "lacking for" resources" suggests that the project has enough resources and doesn't need any more. Remember that "wanting for" implies a deficiency that must be filled.

What does "not wanting for anything" mean?

"Not wanting for anything" means having everything one needs and lacking nothing essential. It suggests a state of completeness and satisfaction. You can use it as a synonym of "self-sufficient".

When should I use "wanting" instead of "wanting for"?

Use "wanting" when simply expressing a desire. For instance, "I am "desiring" a new car." Use "wanting for" only when indicating a lack or need. The two terms are not interchangeable.

What are some alternatives to "wanting for" that convey a similar meaning?

Alternatives include phrases like "in need of", "lacking", or "deficient in". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. "In need of" emphasizes a requirement, while ""lacking"" simply states the absence of something.