a dire lack of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a dire lack of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something is missing in a very serious or severe way. For example, you could say, "The students of this school are facing a dire lack of educational resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

The result was a dire lack of competition, especially in humdrum services for the humble.

The Economist

For there is a dire lack of oomph in most current interior design, whether ultramodern or traditional, calming or glamorous.

The New York Times

Beyond Lamia, the movie suffers from a dire lack of strong, clear-cut characters, with one outrageous exception.

The New York Times

He spoke vaguely of the "inner strength" found in centuries of Russian history and bemoaned "a dire lack of spiritual ties".

The Economist

But now the effort risks failing all over again because of a dire lack of helicopters, a prime cause of the peacekeeping failure to date.

The Economist

While app availability for Android smartphones has caught up with Apple's iPhone, there's a dire lack of good Android apps optimised for full-sized tablets.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

A study by the World Bank in 2004, when warlords held sway in most of Somalia, found that local entrepreneurs had discovered a way of getting round the dire lack of a functioning electricity grid, payment system or metering.

The Economist

But the news that two intimate shows like "Wit," now at the 99-seat MCC Theater in Chelsea, and "This Is Our Youth," at the 108-seat Second Stage on the Upper West Side, are considering a risky leap to Broadway, without major stars, underscores the dire lack of available Off Broadway theaters.

The New York Times

I found this irresistible, at the time, because it mirrored some of my Oxford tutorials, during which my tutor continually challenged me with various torments designed to make me – a naive colonial in his eyes – feel uncomfortable, and perhaps to confess my dire lack of (English) sophistication.

The Guardian - Books

But the dire lack of affordable housing affects everyone in the region.

The New York Times

And anyone who raises the alarm is branded hysterical, right-wing, nit-picking or in dire lack of perspective.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a dire lack of", ensure the context emphasizes the seriousness and potential negative consequences of the absence. This phrase is most effective when highlighting a critical deficiency.

Common error

Avoid using "a dire lack of" in overly casual or informal settings, as the intensity of "dire" may seem exaggerated or out of place. Consider alternatives like "a significant lack of" or "a serious shortage of" for less formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dire lack of" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It highlights a severe deficiency or absence of something essential, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and applicability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dire lack of" is a noun phrase used to highlight a critical deficiency, emphasizing serious and potentially negative consequences. It's grammatically correct and frequently used across various authoritative sources, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal registers where a strong emphasis on the severity of the lack is warranted. Ludwig AI confirms the accuracy and proper usage of this phrase. Remember to use it judiciously, as overuse may diminish its impact. Consider alternatives like ""a critical shortage of"" or ""a severe deficiency of"" depending on the specific nuance needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an acute shortage of

Emphasizes the intensity and urgency of the shortage, often implying immediate consequences.

a critical shortage of

Focuses on the severe shortage, emphasizing immediate and potentially dangerous consequences.

a severe deficiency of

Highlights a marked insufficiency, often in a formal or technical context.

a desperate need for

Highlights the urgency and critical nature of the requirement, indicating a severe lack.

a grave absence of

Emphasizes the seriousness and significance of the missing element.

a profound dearth of

Emphasizes a deep and significant lack, often in a more formal or literary context.

a pressing need for

Shifts the focus to what is required, implying that the lack is creating an urgent demand.

a marked inadequacy of

Points out the insufficiency with a clear and noticeable deficit.

a glaring deficit of

Indicates that the lack is obvious and cannot be easily overlooked.

a substantial scarcity of

Highlights the limited availability of something, suggesting a shortage in supply.

FAQs

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

You can use "a dire lack of" to describe a situation where something essential is severely missing. For example, "The country is facing "a dire lack of" clean water" or "There is "a dire lack of" qualified teachers in rural areas".

What are some alternatives to saying "a dire lack of"?

Some alternatives include "a critical shortage of", "a severe deficiency of", or "a grave absence of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a dire lack of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a dire lack of" is suitable for formal writing when you need to emphasize the serious and critical nature of a deficiency. Ensure the context warrants the strong emphasis implied by "dire".

What's the difference between "a dire lack of" and "a serious lack of"?

"A dire lack of" suggests a more critical and potentially dangerous absence than "a serious lack of". "Dire" implies immediate and severe consequences, while "serious" indicates a significant but not necessarily life-threatening issue.