a lack of power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lack of power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is insufficient authority, influence, or energy in a particular context. Example: "The team's performance suffered due to a lack of power in decision-making processes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hangartner's issue is a lack of power.

The New York Times

With churches dimmed by a lack of power, congregations were forced to improvise.

The New York Times

Many localities in England are stymied by a lack of power in this area.

The Guardian

"We see it every day in B.P. There's not a lack of power there".

The New York Times - Sports

"When you are arrested it shows that you have a lack of power.

The New York Times

But a lack of power wasn't apparent in an admittedly speed-limited drive around lower Manhattan.

The New York Times

This may be one vehicle, though, where a lack of power is a prudent design feature.

The New York Times

Despite these developments, the Indian solar energy sector still faces some significant obstacles, including a lack of power transmission infrastructure.

Yale University

There should be no room in society for young people to feel a lack of power and alienation.

The Guardian - Opinion

INFINITI Owners of some 2004-7 Infiniti QX56 S.U.V.'s may notice a lack of power at full throttle.

The New York Times

The panels were criticised for a lack of power and resources the Home Office made available to run them.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a lack of power", ensure the context clearly indicates what type of power is lacking (e.g., physical, political, electrical) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a lack of power" as a generic explanation for failures. Instead, specify the exact nature of the deficiency; for instance, instead of stating "the project failed due to a lack of power", clarify whether it was a lack of funding, authority, or expertise that contributed to the failure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lack of power" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It denotes the absence or deficiency of authority, control, influence, or physical strength. The Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing varied scenarios, from political impotence to technical limitations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lack of power" is a commonly used noun phrase denoting a deficiency in authority, influence, or strength. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When employing this phrase, it is best practice to specify what kind of power is lacking to ensure clarity. While suitable for a neutral register, avoid overgeneralization by detailing the precise deficiency rather than using it as a catch-all explanation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

powerlessness

Directly states the condition of lacking power.

lack of influence

Synonymous emphasizing the absence of persuasive ability or impact.

limited control

Emphasizes the restricted scope of management or command.

impotence

Focuses on the inability to take effective action.

insufficient influence

Highlights the inadequacy of sway or persuasive ability.

absence of authority

Focuses on the absence of formal or legitimate control.

deficiency of strength

Points to an inadequacy in physical or metaphorical force.

inadequate resources

Stresses the shortage of available assets or means.

weakness

A general term for a state of being without force or capability.

feebleness

Highlights a state of marked frailty or ineffectiveness.

FAQs

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

You can use "a lack of power" to describe situations where there is an absence or deficiency of authority, influence, or capability. For example: "The committee's decisions were ineffective due to "a lack of power" to enforce them."

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

Alternatives include "insufficient influence", "limited control", or "powerlessness", depending on the specific context.

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

Both are grammatically correct, but "a lack of power" is generally preferred when referring to a general absence or deficiency. "Lack of power" without the article is more common in formal or technical contexts.

When might "a lack of power" be a prudent design feature?

As one "New York Times article" suggests, "a lack of power" can be a prudent design feature in vehicles where off-road capabilities outweigh the need for speed, prioritizing control and safety.