a lack of material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lack of material" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing insufficient resources, content, or items needed for a particular purpose or task. Example: "The project was delayed due to a lack of material needed for construction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Retch does not suffer from a lack of material.

The New York Times

The problem is not a lack of material riches.

The New York Times

A lack of material is not the problem.

The New York Times - Arts

She believes a lack of material excess in her childhood, paradoxically, left her more secure.

The Guardian - Books

In the Time Out interview she added: "There's a lack of material for women.

The Guardian - Film

It accused Lewis of "a lack of material response" on previous occasions when it had raised the issue.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Not sick or hungry students, not a lack of materials, not overcrowded classrooms.

The Washington Post

Not only are these girls dealing with a lack of materials, they are also stigmatised by cultural attitudes that regard menstruating women and girls as dirty.

The Guardian

Her output decreased significantly during World War II initially because of a lack of materials and then ultimately, with the Nazi occupation of France, because of the prohibition against her brand of abstract photography.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Confederates did produce their own guns as well, mostly their unique design, the Brooke rifle, but it fell prey to a lack of materials and funds, and a government that gave priority to the army.

The New York Times

What is holding up building in the short term is a lack of materials and labour, says Pointon.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a lack of material", ensure the context clearly defines what type of "material" is lacking. Be specific to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a lack of material" without specifying the kind of material. For instance, instead of saying "the experiment failed due to a lack of material", specify "the experiment failed due to a lack of radioactive material".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lack of material" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a deficiency or absence. Ludwig confirms this grammatical function by providing numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lack of material" is a commonly used phrase to describe a deficiency or absence of necessary resources or content. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news, scientific, and business contexts. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to specify what kind of material is lacking. While generally neutral to formal in tone, it's crucial to adapt the phrase to the appropriate register for effective communication. Alternatives like "scarcity of resources" or "shortage of supplies" can provide nuanced expression depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scarcity of resources

Emphasizes the limited availability of resources, shifting the focus from "material" specifically to resources in general.

shortage of supplies

Focuses on the inadequacy of provisions or supplies, highlighting a deficiency in available resources.

paucity of data

Highlights a deficiency in the amount of data available, suitable for contexts where information is the key "material".

dearth of content

Emphasizes a lack of substance or content, useful when discussing creative works or information.

absence of resources

Directly states the non-existence of resources, conveying a stronger sense of deprivation.

insufficiency of funds

Specifically addresses the inadequacy of financial resources, useful in economic or project management contexts.

limited availability

Focuses on the restricted access to something, rather than an outright absence.

inadequate supply

Highlights that the amount available is not sufficient to meet the demand or need.

deficiency in substance

Focuses on the lack of meaningful content or quality, rather than physical material.

want of provisions

Uses more formal or archaic language to indicate a lack of necessary supplies or provisions.

FAQs

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

You can use "a lack of material" to describe a situation where something is missing or insufficient. For example, "The project stalled due to "a lack of material" resources."

What's the difference between "a lack of material" and "a shortage of supplies"?

"A lack of material" generally refers to something essential being missing, while "a shortage of supplies" refers to an inadequate quantity of items. The phrases are similar, but the latter focuses on quantity. You can use phrases such as "scarcity of resources".

Which is correct, "a lack of material" or "lack of materials"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "a lack of material" implies a general absence, while "lack of materials" suggests multiple specific items are missing. For instance, consider "shortage of supplies" as an alternative.

What can I say instead of "a lack of material" in academic writing?

In academic writing, you might use more formal alternatives like "paucity of data" when referring to research or "absence of resources" to maintain a professional tone.