Definitions and Examples of withhold, deprive, lack
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
To refuse to give or grant something that is due or desired.
Example
The company decided to withhold bonuses this year due to financial difficulties.
To take away or deny someone or something of a particular benefit or privilege.
Example
The pandemic has deprived many people of their jobs and livelihoods.
The state of being without or not having enough of something.
Example
The lack of rainfall has caused a severe drought in the region.
Key Differences: withhold vs deprive vs lack
- 1Withhold implies a deliberate decision to not provide something that is expected or deserved.
- 2Deprive suggests taking away something that was previously available or enjoyed.
- 3Lack describes a situation where there is an absence or insufficiency of something.
Effective Usage of withhold, deprive, lack
- 1Negotiations: Use withhold to describe a situation where one party refuses to provide something in a negotiation.
- 2Legal Matters: Use deprive to describe a situation where someone is denied their legal rights or privileges.
- 3Everyday Conversations: Use lack to describe a situation where something is missing or insufficient in everyday conversations.
Remember this!
The antonyms of supply are withhold, deprive, and lack. Withhold implies a deliberate decision to not provide something, deprive suggests taking away something that was previously available, and lack describes a situation where there is an absence or insufficiency of something. These words can be used in negotiations, legal matters, and everyday conversations to convey the opposite meaning of providing something.
