HeyRuaHow to say “lack” in Irish
- Irish:
- uireasa
- English:
- lack, need
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “IR-uh-suh” /ˈɪɾʲəsˠə/
- Plural:
- uireasaí (lacks)
- Genitive singular:
- uireasa, na huireasa (e.g. cúis na huireasa, the cause of the lack)
- Genitive plural:
- uireasaí, na n-uireasaí (e.g. liosta na n-uireasaí, the list of shortcomings)
What does “uireasa” mean?
“Uireasa” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- lack
- The state of not having enough of something, or of not having it at all.Also: want, shortage, deficiency, absence.
“Uireasa” with the article
The plural of lack in Irish is uireasaí. Here is uireasa after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Uireasa” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using uireasa, the Irish word for lack.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Lack in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for lack?
The Irish for lack is uireasa (pronounced “IR-uh-suh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is uireasaí. Depending on context it can also mean need.
How do you pronounce uireasa in Irish?
Uireasa is said like “IR-uh-suh” (IPA /ˈɪɾʲəsˠə/).
What is the plural of lack in Irish?
The plural of uireasa is uireasaí; with the article, na huireasaí means “the lacks”. The genitive plural is uireasaí, as in liosta na n-uireasaí (the list of shortcomings).
Does uireasa have more than one meaning?
Yes. Uireasa can mean lack or need, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does uireasa sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an uireasa (the lack), a huireasa (her lack), a n-uireasa (their lack), na huireasaí (the lacks).
How do I say 'without' using uireasa?
Use d'uireasa with a genitive or possessive: d'uireasa airgid, 'without money', or do d'uireasa, 'without you'.
What is the difference between uireasa and easpa?
Both mean lack; easpa is the more everyday word, while uireasa is common in set phrases like d'uireasa and in more formal writing.
