What Is Another Way to Say “Not Have”?

Looking for synonyms for not have? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say not have.

  • Lack
  • Be without
  • Miss
  • Devoid
  • Absent
  • Bereft
  • Void
  • Sans
  • Wanting
  • Unpossessed
  • Deficient
  • Need
  • Free from
  • Destitute
  • Dispossessed
  • Unendowed
  • Without
  • Empty of
  • Deprived
  • In need of

Want to learn how to say not have professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Lack

Appropriate to use when: Indicating the absence of something necessary or desirable.
Example: “The proposal lacks the detailed financial analysis required for approval.”

2. Be without

Appropriate to use when: Describing a state of not having something.
Example: “We are currently without a dedicated project manager for this initiative.”

3. Miss

Appropriate to use when: Referring to the absence or loss of something that was once present.
Example: “The team will miss the expertise of the former lead developer.”

4. Devoid

Appropriate to use when: Indicating something is completely lacking in a particular quality or element.
Example: “The report was devoid of any substantial evidence to support the claims.”

5. Absent

Appropriate to use when: Describing something that is not present or available.
Example: “Critical information was absent from the data set.”

6. Bereft

Appropriate to use when: Referring to a state of being deprived of or lacking something.
Example: “After the budget cuts, the department was bereft of necessary resources.”

7. Void

Appropriate to use when: Indicating a total absence of something.
Example: “The contract is void of any clauses relating to intellectual property rights.”

8. Sans

Appropriate to use when: Describing being without something (informal, often used for emphasis).
Example: “The meeting proceeded sans coffee, much to everyone’s dismay.”

9. Wanting

Appropriate to use when: Indicating the absence of sufficient or required quality.
Example: “The software is wanting in user-friendly features.”

10. Unpossessed

Appropriate to use when: Referring to not having something in one’s possession.
Example: “The technology needed is currently unpossessed by our company.”

11. Deficient

Appropriate to use when: Describing a lack or shortage of something necessary.
Example: “The project is deficient in experienced personnel.”

12. Need

Appropriate to use when: Indicating a requirement for something absent.
Example: “There is a need for more comprehensive training programs.”

13. Free from

Appropriate to use when: Describing the absence of something, typically undesirable.
Example: “Our product is free from any harmful chemicals.”

14. Destitute

Appropriate to use when: Referring to lacking something that is needed or desirable.
Example: “The startup was destitute of capital investment.”

15. Dispossessed

Appropriate to use when: Describing being deprived of something that one once had.
Example: “The company became dispossessed of its main assets after the lawsuit.”

16. Unendowed

Appropriate to use when: Indicating not having been given a particular quality or feature.
Example: “The software is unendowed with advanced security features.”

17. Without

Appropriate to use when: Referring to the absence of something.
Example: “We are operating without the necessary government permits.”

18. Empty of

Appropriate to use when: Describing something that is completely lacking or devoid of content.
Example: “The presentation was empty of any actionable solutions.”

19. Deprived

Appropriate to use when: Indicating suffering a severe and damaging lack of basic material and cultural benefits.
Example: “The community is deprived of essential health facilities.”

20. In need of

Appropriate to use when: Referring to the necessity of having something that is not currently possessed.
Example: “The department is in need of additional funding to complete the project.”

Linda Brown