a lack of ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a lack of ability' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an inability to do something. For example: "I have a lack of ability when it comes to dancing, so I'm not sure I'll be able to join the class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I wouldn't say it's a lack of ability.

The Guardian - Sport

Well, it's certainly not down to a lack of ability.

Independent

No system can disguise a lack of ability and technical deficiencies.

The Guardian - Sport

And probably shows a lack of ability to do something else.

Independent

"There is a lack of ability to evaluate the effect, to monitor it and a lack of ability to manage emergencies should they arise, and most people just do not have the experience in dealing with complications".

The New York Times

Is it a lack of ability to read defenses and study playbooks on the part of African-Americans?

The New Yorker

"There can be a lack of ability to communicate whatever expertise they may or may not have," Ms. Meltz said.

The New York Times

Working with these organizations, she consistently saw a lack of ability to engage with technology in the same ways that it is transforming the private sector.

Yale University

The psychologist Carol Dweck has shown how many students interpret a poor performance as meaning a lack of ability and they may easily give up.

The Guardian

"They were accusing us of rough tactics and a lack of ability, looking to get a reaction ahead of the decider in Sydney.

The Guardian - Sport

It's a lack of ability on our part and a lack of fortitude, too, and it's something we have to look at".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "a lack of ability", be specific about the area where ability is lacking to provide clarity and avoid broad generalizations.

Common error

Avoid using "a lack of ability" as a blanket statement to dismiss someone's potential. Instead, focus on specific skills that can be developed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lack of ability" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lack of ability" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that denotes a deficiency in skill or competence. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase appears across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and business sectors. While the register is generally neutral, specifying the area where ability is lacking is crucial for clarity. Alternatives like "inadequate skills" or "incapability" can be used depending on the desired level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incapability

Directly states the inability to perform.

inadequate skills

Emphasizes the insufficiency of skills possessed.

absence of proficiency

Emphasizes the non-existence of proficiency.

limited aptitude

Focuses on a restricted natural talent or capacity.

deficiency in competence

Highlights a deficit in overall competence.

shortcoming in expertise

Highlights a particular area where expertise is missing.

skill gap

Refers to the difference between the skills required and the skills possessed.

want of skill

An archaic but direct way of expressing a lack of skill.

technical ineptitude

Refers to a lack of technical skill or competence.

failure to master

Highlights the inability to gain full command or understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "a lack of ability" to describe someone's deficiency in a particular skill or competence. For example, "His failure was due to "a lack of ability" to manage his time effectively."

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

Alternatives to "a lack of ability" include "inadequate skills", "deficiency in competence", or simply "incapability".

Is it better to say "lack of ability" or "inability"?

Both "lack of ability" and "inability" are correct, but "inability" is more direct. "Lack of ability" often requires an article ("a" or "the") and functions as a noun phrase.

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

"A lack of ability" refers to not possessing the necessary skills or talents, while "a lack of effort" indicates a failure to apply oneself or try hard enough, implying the ability is present but not utilized. The former concerns capability, the latter concerns motivation.