a fundamental lack of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fundamental lack of" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a significant or essential deficiency or absence of something. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as describing a person's understanding or knowledge, a society's values or resources, or a system's flaws or limitations. Example: "The education system in this country suffers from a fundamental lack of funding, resulting in overcrowded classrooms and outdated materials."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 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

No tool or system can address a fundamental lack of trust in the promotions process.

Harvard Business Review

And Africa is still hampered by a fundamental lack of transport, energy and water infrastructure.

The Guardian

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

Just as his explanations about "clean coal" show a fundamental lack of understanding about what that even means.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a fundamental lack of", ensure the noun following 'of' clearly specifies what is missing or deficient. For instance, "a fundamental lack of understanding" is clearer than "a fundamental lack".

Common error

Avoid using "a fundamental lack of" for trivial or minor issues. This phrase implies a significant deficiency, so reserve it for situations where the absence truly undermines a core element.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fundamental lack of" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It introduces the presence of a significant deficiency, as shown in Ludwig's examples of its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a fundamental lack of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a significant deficiency or absence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it finds application across diverse contexts such as news, formal business settings, and scientific discussions. The phrase is considered neutral in register, making it suitable for a broad audience. When employing this phrase, ensure that the subsequent noun clearly articulates the missing element. While versatile, reserve its use for scenarios where the absence genuinely undermines a crucial aspect, as it signifies more than a trivial shortcoming.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crucial absence of

Emphasizes the critical importance of what is missing.

a basic deficiency in

Focuses on the presence of a core inadequacy.

a significant deficit of

Highlights the measurable shortage of something.

a marked inadequacy in

Stresses the noticeable insufficiency of something.

a profound scarcity of

Indicates a deep and pervasive shortage.

a glaring omission of

Points out an obvious absence that is hard to ignore.

a notable void of

Draws attention to an emptiness or gap.

a radical absence of

Indicates a complete and total lack.

a deep-seated absence of

Highlights that the absence is not new or superficial.

an inherent limitation in

Implies the limitation is intrinsic and unavoidable.

FAQs

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

You can use "a fundamental lack of" to point out a significant deficiency. For example: "The project failed due to "a fundamental lack of planning"".

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

Alternatives include "a basic deficiency in", "a crucial absence of", or "a significant deficit of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "fundamental lack of" or "basic lack of"?

"Fundamental lack of" emphasizes that the deficiency is at a foundational level, while "basic lack of" suggests it is a simple or elementary absence. The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of severity you wish to express.

What's the difference between "a fundamental lack of" and "a complete absence of"?

"A fundamental lack of" implies that something essential is missing, while "a complete absence of" suggests that something is entirely missing. The former might allow for some vestige of the thing in question, while the latter does not.