What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
privation
Example
The refugees were living in privation, with no access to clean water or adequate medical care. [privation: noun]
Example
The prisoner suffered privation during his time in solitary confinement. [privation: adjective]
lack
Example
There is a lack of affordable housing in this city. [lack: noun]
Example
She lacked the necessary skills to complete the task. [lacked: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lack is more commonly used than privation in everyday language. Lack is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while privation is less common and typically used in more formal or specialized contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between privation and lack?
Privation is more formal than lack and is typically used in academic or technical writing. Lack is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
