a complete lack of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a complete lack of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to an absence of something. Example: The psychologist noticed a complete lack of anxiety in the patient.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

There is a complete lack of information.

The New York Times

"There's a complete lack of transparency".

The New York Times

"We got a complete lack of interest".

The Guardian

"There was a complete lack of organization.

The New York Times - Magazine

There is a complete lack of security.

The Washington Post

There's a complete lack of information from the company".

The Guardian

There is a complete lack of clarity here".

The Guardian

"It shows a complete lack of understanding of business.

The Guardian

But there has been a complete lack of deeds".

The New York Times

There is a complete lack of independence here," he said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"He had a complete lack of conscience about it".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a complete lack of", ensure the noun following 'of' is specific and clearly defines what is missing. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a complete lack of" in very informal writing. Simpler phrases like "no" or "absence of" can sound more natural in casual conversations or personal correspondence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complete lack of" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It denotes the total absence of something, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a complete lack of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that signifies the total absence of something. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage. It is predominantly found in news and media, science and formal business contexts, indicating a neutral register. When using this phrase, clarity and specificity are crucial to avoid ambiguity. While versatile, consider simpler alternatives in informal settings to maintain a natural tone. Overall, it’s a reliable phrase for clearly expressing the absence of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

total absence of

Replaces "lack" with "absence", emphasizing the total non-existence of something.

utter deficiency of

Uses "utter deficiency" to intensify the lack, suggesting a severe shortage.

entire want of

Employs "want" to denote a need or absence, adding a slightly archaic tone.

absolute negation of

Replaces "lack" with "negation", focusing on the denial or opposite of something.

zero presence of

Uses "zero presence" for a literal absence, suitable for quantifiable contexts.

total deprivation of

Highlights the act of being deprived of something entirely.

thorough privation of

Suggests a fundamental loss or absence, often in the context of basic needs.

radical insufficiency of

Emphasizes a significant inadequacy or shortage of something.

blank void of

Uses imagery of a "void" to convey a complete emptiness or absence.

wholesale disappearance of

Conveys a complete removal or vanishing of something.

FAQs

How can I use "a complete lack of" in a sentence?

You can use "a complete lack of" to indicate the total absence of something. For example, "There was a complete lack of evidence to support the claim."

What can I say instead of "a complete lack of"?

You can use alternatives like "total absence of", "utter deficiency of", or "entire want of" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a complete lack of"?

Yes, the phrase "a complete lack of" is grammatically correct and widely used in English to express the absence of something.

What is the difference between "a complete lack of" and "a distinct lack of"?

"A complete lack of" indicates a total absence, while "a distinct lack of" implies that something is noticeably missing, but not necessarily entirely absent. There is some presence, but not enough to satisfy or be adequate.