a fundamental lack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fundamental lack" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or essential absence of something, often in a critical context. Example: "The report highlighted a fundamental lack of resources that hindered the project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There's a fundamental lack of trust.

Independent

There is a fundamental lack of energy.

The Guardian - Arts

There is a fundamental lack of liability and transparency.

The Guardian

But there's a fundamental lack of realism to the scenario.

The Guardian - Books

But the strident style of this memorial reveals a fundamental lack of honesty.

The Guardian - Opinion

He once said addiction was a fundamental lack but has revised that view.

The Guardian - Music

One could not say that she was devoid of feeling or had a fundamental lack of sympathy.

The New Yorker

He added: "There seems to be a fundamental lack of understanding of what those characters are about.

The Guardian - Film

Collaery says the government's actions confirm a fundamental lack of respect for the protection of public interest whistleblowers.

The Guardian

It made incorrect accusations and in doing so exposed a fundamental lack of understanding of how trade unions function.

The Guardian

That argument shows a fundamental lack of understanding - Muslims are not a race but a religious group drawn from many races - what would happen to white Muslims?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a fundamental lack", ensure you clearly identify what is lacking to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, "a fundamental lack of understanding" is more informative than just "a fundamental lack".

Common error

Avoid using "a fundamental lack" when a simple "lack" would suffice. Overusing 'fundamental' can dilute its impact; reserve it for genuinely critical deficiencies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fundamental lack" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a deficiency that is considered essential or foundational. Ludwig shows its usage in a broad range of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fundamental lack" is a noun phrase used to express a significant or crucial deficiency. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and commonly used across various domains, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. Related phrases include "a basic deficiency" and "an essential absence". When using this phrase, ensure you specify what is lacking to provide clear context. While the phrase is common, avoid overusing it to maintain its impact and reserve it for truly critical deficiencies. The most authoritative sources that use the expression are The Guardian, The New Yorker, The New York Times, Huffington Post and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a basic deficiency

Replaces "fundamental lack" with synonyms that convey a similar meaning of a basic shortcoming.

a core deficit

Substitutes "fundamental lack" with "core deficit", highlighting the essential nature of the missing element.

an essential absence

Replaces the original phrase with synonyms focusing on the absence of something essential.

a critical shortage

Highlights the severity of the lack by using the term "critical shortage".

a profound inadequacy

Emphasizes the depth and significance of the lack using "profound inadequacy".

a marked absence

Focuses on the clear and noticeable absence, using the word "marked" to describe it.

a distinct void

Uses "distinct void" to portray a clear and noticeable gap or lack.

a glaring omission

Highlights the obvious nature of what's missing, implying it should have been present.

a conspicuous dearth

Uses more formal vocabulary to indicate a scarcity or lack of something noticeable.

an underlying problem

Shifts the focus slightly to suggest that the lack is symptomatic of a deeper, underlying issue.

FAQs

How can I use "a fundamental lack" in a sentence?

You can use "a fundamental lack" to describe a crucial deficiency or absence of something. For example, "There is "a fundamental lack of trust" in the organization."

What are some alternatives to "a fundamental lack"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a basic deficiency", "a core deficit", or "an essential absence", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "a fundamental lack of fundamentals"?

Yes, using "a fundamental lack of fundamentals" can be considered redundant. It's more effective to specify the specific fundamental aspect that is lacking.

How does "a fundamental lack" differ from "a simple lack"?

"A fundamental lack" implies a deficiency in something essential or foundational, whereas "a simple lack" suggests a more general absence that may not be as critical. The adjective 'fundamental' emphasizes the severity and importance of the deficiency.