They called it a comet, 'for lack of' a better term/word. [=because they could not think of a better term/word for it]
His honesty, or 'lack thereof', is the real problem. [=the real problem is his lack of honesty]
There was 'no lack of' interest in the proposal. [=there was much interest in the proposal]
(..) Meticulous nature. But... If one observes the overall slant and the pressure of the writing... There's a suggestion of acute narcissism, A complete lack of empathy, And a pronounced inclination toward ... No! Moral insanity. An answer to your previous request, Regarding, (..)2011 Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows