for (the) want of (something)

for (the) want of (something)

Because something is lacking or missing. For want of vegetable oil, I added olive oil to the recipe and hoped for the best.

See also: for, of, want

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

for (the) want of something

because of a lack of something; because something is not available: For the want of a better name, I’m calling this book ‘My Early Years’. ♢ We went for a walk for want of anything better to do.

See also: for, of, something, want

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017