a lack of intelligence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lack of intelligence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deficiency or absence of intellectual capacity or understanding in a person or situation. Example: "The project's failure was attributed to a lack of intelligence in its planning and execution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

It's not a lack of intelligence.

The New York Times

I attribute this to a lack of intelligence among the people".

The New York Times

"But that reflects a lack of access and a lack of intelligence as much as anything".

The New York Times

He derided the Palestinian suicide bombers for a lack of intelligence.

The New York Times

But these systemic problems are not only the result of a lack of intelligence or resources or logistics.

The New Yorker

We are missing the core of literature, the excitement, and it is being misunderstood for a lack of intelligence.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The nation also has problems with unemployment, a fractured government and a lack of intelligence-gathering.

Huffington Post

When he studied why some of those executives ended up being fired, he found that while they had been hired for their intelligence and business expertise -- they were fired for a lack of emotional intelligence.

Huffington Post

In the American Revolution George Washington relied heavily on information that was provided by an intelligence net based in New York City, and in World War II the results of a lack of good intelligence were realized in the destruction of the U.S. Pacific fleet at Pearl Harbor.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Throughout South-East Asia, as elsewhere, the biggest obstacle to catching terrorists is a lack of good intelligence.

The Economist

One shows, according to Greenfield, that excessive internet use "has been associated with a lack of emotional intelligence".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a lack of intelligence", ensure the context clearly specifies whether you're referring to inherent intellectual capacity or a temporary absence of information needed for a task.

Common error

Avoid using "a lack of intelligence" when you actually mean ignorance or lack of information. Ignorance implies a lack of knowledge, while "a lack of intelligence" suggests a more fundamental cognitive deficit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lack of intelligence" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence to denote a deficiency or absence of intellectual capability. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing reasons for failure or shortcomings.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

24%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis reveals that "a lack of intelligence" is a common noun phrase used to attribute failures or shortcomings to insufficient intellectual capacity. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and appears frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. However, it's crucial to use this phrase with sensitivity, as it can be offensive. Alternatives such as "cognitive impairment" or "a lack of knowledge" may be more appropriate depending on the context. When using "a lack of intelligence", differentiate between inherent intellectual ability and situational knowledge deficits to avoid misrepresentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intellectual deficiency

Focuses on the deficiency of intellectual capacity.

cognitive impairment

Highlights impaired cognitive functions.

absence of intellect

Emphasizes the non-existence of intellect.

want of understanding

Stresses a deficiency in comprehension.

deficiency in reasoning

Specifically points to poor reasoning skills.

mental incapacity

Indicates an inability to perform mental tasks.

lack of knowledge

Refers to the absence of information or understanding.

absence of data

Focuses on the unavailability of information.

information scarcity

Highlights the limited availability of data.

inadequate information

Emphasizes that the existing information is not sufficient.

FAQs

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

You can use "a lack of intelligence" to describe a general deficiency in cognitive ability, as in, "The project failed due to "a lack of intelligence" in its planning."

What is a more formal way to say "a lack of intelligence"?

A more formal alternative to "a lack of intelligence" could be "intellectual deficiency" or "cognitive impairment", depending on the specific context.

Is it offensive to say someone has "a lack of intelligence"?

Yes, directly stating someone has "a lack of intelligence" can be highly offensive. Consider using more sensitive language like "a deficiency in understanding" or focusing on specific skill deficits instead.

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

"A lack of knowledge" refers to not possessing specific information, while "a lack of intelligence" refers to a general deficiency in cognitive capacity. You can have "a lack of knowledge" on a subject without having "a lack of intelligence".