a lack of composure

USAGE SUMMARY

"a lack of composure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone acting in a way that is unbalanced, out of control, or chaotic. For example, "The child's erratic behavior during the test betrayed a lack of composure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Communication

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

"That's what we're trying to get out of them — a lack of composure," Salvador said.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a horrendous stretch filled with lost loose balls and a lack of composure.

The New York Times - Sports

"I feel we showed a lack of composure which put ourselves under pressure a lot of times.

Independent

"We could have killed it, but there was a bit of a lack of composure in the final third that cost us".

Independent

A lack of composure continues to plague Wales, who wasted opportunities against Argentina that will be punished by stronger teams at the World Cup.

The New York Times - Sports

But other decisions went in his side's favour and what cost Leicester most was a lack of composure at vital moments.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

There was a desperation to the approach and a distinct lack of composure, a failing Hodgson attempted to address at the break, to little effect, with Jack Wilshere's introduction.

The Guardian - Sport

"There was a complete lack of composure in everything we did, particularly in defence," said the Salford coach, Iestyn Harris.

The Guardian - Sport

But on Saturday they started slowly, and then Bradford's tireless scrambling defence exposed a worrying lack of composure in their attack.

The Guardian - Sport

There was a complete lack of composure in everything we did, particularly defensively.

BBC

A rare lack of composure from the keeper - who must be wondering if Petr Cech is back as number one now.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a lack of composure" to describe situations where emotional control is lost, particularly in high-pressure environments like sports or business.

Common error

Avoid using "a lack of composure" when "lack of confidence" is more appropriate. Composure refers to emotional control, while confidence relates to self-belief.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lack of composure" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the absence of emotional stability or self-control, often in challenging situations. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sports

30%

General Communication

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lack of composure" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe the absence of emotional control, often in stressful situations. Ludwig AI confirms this. It is most frequently found in news and sports contexts, indicating a neutral register. Related phrases include "loss of self-control" and "absence of poise". When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects an emotional or mental instability rather than a lack of confidence. The examples provided by Ludwig offer practical insight into how this phrase can be effectively employed to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

loss of self-control

Focuses on the inability to manage one's own actions and reactions.

absence of poise

Highlights the lack of grace and balance in behavior, especially under pressure.

failure to remain calm

Emphasizes the inability to maintain a state of calmness.

inability to stay collected

Underscores the difficulty in maintaining a focused and organized mental state.

loss of cool

Suggests a sudden onset of emotional instability.

failure to keep it together

Indicates an inability to maintain emotional stability or functionality.

breakdown in discipline

Highlights a failure to follow established rules or maintain order.

deficiency in level-headedness

Points to a lack of rational thinking and decision-making.

want of equanimity

Focuses on the absence of emotional stability and calmness, particularly in challenging situations.

shortage of self-possession

Emphasizes the absence of control over one's own actions or emotions, especially under pressure or in stressful situations.

FAQs

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

You can use "a lack of composure" to describe a person or team's inability to remain calm and controlled, especially in stressful situations. For example, "The team's "a lack of composure" led to several penalties in the final minutes of the game."

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

Alternatives include "loss of self-control", "absence of poise", or "failure to remain calm". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "lack of composure" or "a lack of composure"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "a lack of composure" is generally more common and natural-sounding in most contexts. "Lack of composure" without the article is also acceptable, especially in more formal writing.

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

"A lack of composure" refers to difficulty remaining calm and controlled, particularly under pressure. "A lack of confidence" refers to a lack of self-belief or assurance. While related, they describe different qualities.