What's lacking ultimately in Providence, Rhode Island (4)
I believe the answer is:
need
'what's lacking' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'ultimately in providence rhode island' is the wordplay.
'ultimately' indicates one should take the final letters.
The last letters of 'in providence rhode island' are 'NEED'.
(Other definitions for need that I've seen before include "Want - require(ment)" , "Distressful situation" , "''A friend in .... is a friend indeed''" , "Lack - demand" , "state requiring relief" .)