to lack qualified people to carry on a task, trade, or ambition; to have no one to take over an undertaking

Literary phrase meaning one lacks a person at home to manage the household or cook; often refers to a man who is a widower or has not yet married.

(of a person) left unattended or not cared for

(literary) describes something that no one is interested in or inquiring about; to lack any interest from buyers or visitors