What does wanting mean?
Wanting has two strikingly different lives. In constructions such as “I was wanting to leave,” it is the present participle of want and expresses an active desire. Used before a noun, as in “a plan wanting detail,” it becomes an adjective meaning deficient: the required quality, quantity, or amount is absent. As a noun, wanting is less common and literary; it can denote either the state of desiring something or, more often in plural form, a deficiency. Context normally prevents ambiguity. The word is useful because it preserves this contrast between desire and lack, two ideas that the related noun “want” can suggest in different contexts. Its adjectival use is somewhat formal compared with “lacking,” while the participial use is ordinary in British and American English.
The present participle of want, used to express an active desire or wish for something.
"She was wanting to travel before she found a job."
Common with forms of “be,” although “want to” is often more conversational.
Lacking a necessary quality, amount, or possession; deficient.
"The explanation is wanting in clarity."
More formal or literary than the everyday alternative “lacking.”
A state of desire, or a lack or deficiency; in the plural, a particular shortcoming.
"The wanting of recognition shaped his work."
This use is literary or marked; the plural “wantings” is especially uncommon.
Rare and usually found in formal or literary contexts, especially for distinct deficiencies or shortcomings.
"The critics identified several artistic wantings in the new building."
Wanting can mean eagerly desiring something—or simply not having enough of it, so context must decide whether you wish for more or have less.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does wanting come from?
“Want” descends from Old English “wanian,” meaning to lack, be absent, or decrease, and ultimately from a Germanic root associated with absence or deficiency. It entered Middle English in forms such as “wanten,” with later development of the present participle “wanting.” “Wane,” “wan,” and “waning” belong to the same broad Germanic family of words associated with diminishing, failing, or lacking, although their modern meanings have specialized.
Related word forms
How wanting is actually used
The participial construction is standard but less common than the contracted form used with infinitives. The adjectival and noun uses are relatively formal or literary; ordinary speakers often prefer “lacking” or “a lack of.” There is no substantial regional difference between standard British and American usage.
Easily confused with wanting
Wanted is the past participle of want and commonly means desired or sought, whereas wanting can mean currently desiring something or lacking something required.