a distinct lack of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a distinct lack of" is correct and a usable phrase in written English.
It means the complete absence of something. You could use it in a sentence such as: "The report showed a distinct lack of information in regards to the project's timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is a distinct lack of urgency in this game.

The Guardian - Sport

There is a distinct lack of colouring-in or vibrancy.

The Guardian

Weak links A distinct lack of pace at the back.

The Guardian - Sport

But there's a distinct lack of those at the minute.

The Guardian - Sport

There is a distinct lack of transparency here.

Independent

But with only momentary exceptions, there is a distinct lack of command emanating from the stage.

The New York Times

There is a distinct lack of clarity after the draft's top five players, Ford said.

The New York Times - Sports

And so, with a clean slate and a distinct lack of red tape, work began.

The Guardian - Travel

There was no baying mob and a distinct lack of flash photography.

The Guardian

All are showing a distinct lack of sparkle at the box office.

The Guardian - Film

Most significantly, this has resulted in a distinct lack of flower crowns.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a distinct lack of" to highlight a clear and noticeable absence of something, especially when emphasizing the impact of that absence.

Common error

While grammatically sound, using "a distinct lack of" in very informal settings can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "not enough" or "missing" for casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distinct lack of" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression signifies the clear absence of something. Examples include "There is a distinct lack of urgency in this game" or "There's a distinct lack of both emotional and financial investment".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sport

15%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a distinct lack of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase to emphasize the clear absence of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. While versatile, it tends towards a neutral-to-formal register, being most prevalent in News & Media contexts. Consider alternatives like "noticeable absence" or "marked deficiency" for nuanced emphasis or to avoid repetition. Use the phrase judiciously, ensuring it fits the tone and context of your writing for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a noticeable absence of

Emphasizes the obviousness of the missing element.

a marked deficiency in

Highlights the inadequacy or shortage of something.

a clear shortage of

Focuses on the insufficient quantity of something.

a palpable scarcity of

Implies that the lack is easily felt or perceived.

a striking dearth of

Uses a more formal term to denote a significant absence.

a considerable deficit of

Highlights a shortfall or imbalance.

a significant insufficiency of

Emphasizes that something is not enough or adequate.

a glaring omission of

Focuses on the act of leaving something out conspicuously.

a prominent void of

Suggests an emptiness or absence that stands out.

a conspicuous want of

Uses a slightly archaic term to indicate a clear need for something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a distinct lack of" to point out a clear absence of something. For example, "There was "a distinct lack of urgency" in their response" or "The project suffered from "a distinct lack of funding"".

What are some alternatives to "a distinct lack of"?

Alternatives include "noticeable absence of", "marked deficiency in", or "clear shortage of". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use "distinct lack" or "significant lack"?

Both "distinct lack" and "significant lack" are acceptable, but "distinct lack" implies a more obvious or easily perceived absence. "Significant lack" emphasizes the importance of what is missing.

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

"A lack of" simply indicates that something is missing. Adding "distinct" emphasizes that the absence is clear, noticeable, and perhaps even problematic. It strengthens the statement.