What means the expression "for the want of a better word"?

Answer 1

The expression "for want of a better word" means that there exists no other word in the English language to describe what they are talking about. The word they are using is not suitable in some way, but there just isn't any other word that they can use.

Answer 2

It can mean different things - it depends on the context:

e.g. I thought the film's plot (for want of a better word) was extremely poor.

This means that you think that there is no plot - but you have to use the word ‘plot’ because there is no other suitable word. In this context it is a derogatory phrase.

e.g. Some of the questions (for want of a better word) on Yahoo Answers are just statements.

This means that some people aren’t really asking proper questions - but just making statements.

Answer 3

It means that you are trying to say something and can't find the perfect word to say it....so you choose a word that is close to what you want and if you say, for want of a better word, you are telling the person that what you are saying is not exactly what you want to say but close enough....hope that makes sense to you...it's a little hard to explain....

Answer 4

The person has used a word and knows there is a better word to suit, but cannot remember it.

Answer 5

Means there is no other choice but to use it. They want a better word, but none is available that works better.

Answer 6

It means they cannot think of the exact word to describe something, but the word they have thought of instead will have to do.

Answer 7

because you cant think of the appropiate word at the time.

Answer 8

"Weil mir ein besseres Wort gerade nicht einfaellt"

Answer 9

Its because the people who use it cannot think of the corect word. Thickos