How to Say "to lack" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to lack” is “faltar” — use 'faltar' when something is missing or you don't have enough of it, often in a personal or everyday context..
faltar
/fal-TAR//falˈtaɾ/
Examples
Me falta dinero para comprar el billete.
I lack money to buy the ticket.
Me falta un calcetín.
I am missing a sock.
Nos falta sal para la sopa.
We lack salt for the soup.
Faltan tres sillas en el salón.
Three chairs are missing from the living room.
The 'Gustar' Structure
This verb often works 'backwards'. Instead of saying 'I lack sugar', you say 'Sugar is lacking to me' (Me falta azúcar).
Plural Matching
The verb changes based on the things that are missing. If one thing is missing, use 'falta'. If two or more are missing, use 'faltan'.
Using 'Yo' instead of 'Me'
Mistake: “Yo falto dinero.”
Correction: Me falta dinero. (Think of it as 'Money is missing to me'.)
carecer
/kah-reh-SEHR//kaɾeˈθeɾ/
Examples
El informe carece de detalles importantes.
The report lacks important details.
Muchos niños en esa región carecen de agua potable.
Many children in that region lack safe drinking water.
Sus argumentos carecen de sentido lógico.
His arguments lack logical sense.
Aunque es talentoso, el joven carece de experiencia profesional.
Although he is talented, the young man lacks professional experience.
The 'De' Rule
Unlike the English verb 'to lack,' which connects directly to the thing you don't have, the Spanish word 'carecer' must always be followed by the word 'de'.
Spelling Change
When talking about yourself (the 'yo' form), the 'c' changes to 'zc' (carezco). This helps keep the soft 's' sound instead of a hard 'k' sound.
Leaving out 'de'
Mistake: “Carezco dinero.”
Correction: Carezco DE dinero. You must always use 'de' before the item you lack.
Carecer vs. Faltar
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.