Lacking in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Lacking in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deficiency or absence of something in a particular context. Example: "The report was lacking in detailed analysis, which affected its overall quality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Lacking in imagination?

The New York Times

Rather lacking in fizz.

Independent

It is lacking in balance.

The Guardian

Most are lacking in charm".

The New Yorker

Too lacking in passion".

The Guardian - Books

"It feels a little lacking in joy".

The New York Times

Impressive, but lacking in Brahmsian ambiguity.

Independent

"Schools are also lacking in discipline.

Independent

Pakistan is not lacking in academic talent.

The New York Times

But today it seems lacking in ambition.

The Economist

But they were lacking in two ways.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lacking in" to precisely convey a deficiency of a specific quality or element, avoiding vagueness. For example, instead of saying 'the plan was bad', specify 'the plan was "lacking in" detail'.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "lacking in" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "missing" or "short on" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacking in" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. It indicates a deficiency or absence of something. As Ludwig AI shows, it's frequently used in various contexts to point out what's missing or inadequate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lacking in" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a deficiency or absence of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media and science writing. While versatile, it's essential to be mindful of the context and opt for simpler alternatives in very informal settings. Remember to use "lacking in" to precisely convey the missing quality or element, enhancing clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Deficient in

Emphasizes a specific shortage or inadequacy.

Short on

Highlights a limited quantity or insufficient amount.

Devoid of

Indicates a complete absence of something.

Without

A more general term for the absence of something.

Absent of

Suggests a missing element or component.

Inadequate in

Focuses on the insufficiency or unsuitability of something.

Wanting in

Implies a deficiency or shortcoming.

Poor in

Denotes a low quality or limited quantity.

Bereft of

Highlights a sense of loss or deprivation.

Missing

A simple term that something is not present.

FAQs

How to use "lacking in" in a sentence?

You can use "lacking in" to describe the absence of a quality or attribute. For instance, "The presentation was "lacking in clarity"" or "The proposal is "lacking in detail"".

What can I say instead of "lacking in"?

You can use alternatives like "deficient in", "short on", or "devoid of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "lacking of" instead of "lacking in"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "lacking" in this context is "in". "Lacking of" is not standard English.

What's the difference between "lacking in" and "missing"?

"Lacking in" implies a deficiency of a quality, while "missing" simply means something is absent. For example, "The report was "lacking in analysis"" suggests the analysis was insufficient, while "The report is "missing"" indicates the entire report is not there.