a lack of rigor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lack of rigor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or argument that is not thorough, precise, or disciplined in its approach. Example: "The research paper was criticized for a lack of rigor in its methodology, leading to questionable conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

In sum, even though the literature revealed a lack of rigor in the coursework of female and minority students, rigorous high school coursework was a strong predictor of the success in postsecondary courses beyond students' gender and social economic status.

International Journal of STEM Education

A lack of rigor in verifying reliable sources made information suspect or confusing.

The New Yorker

There was, from the start, a wariness and a lack of rigor about the Clinton Administration's use of force.

The New Yorker

But in recent years, researchers have come to agree that a big one is a lack of rigor at the high school level.

The New York Times

But Edward J. Curran, an F.B.I. official working at the Energy Department, had heard a secret Cox committee briefing and was aghast at what he saw as a lack of rigor in the F.B.I. investigation.

The New York Times

Becker won a Pulitzer Prize for his 1973 book "The Denial of Death," but he was shunned in the academic community for what his peers saw as a lack of rigor.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

The "60 Minutes" report, titled "Inside the NSA," has been widely criticized for a lack of journalistic rigor.

The Washington Post

In other words, there seems to be a lack of scientific rigor, a sophisticated sort of anthropomorphism, in this matter of Lun and the fear of cancer.

The New York Times - Books

The Freedom Caucus claims that the rule was made with a "lack of economic rigor and will thus have an impact far greater than envisioned".

The Guardian

That incident mobilized many in the state's Indian communities to protest what they viewed as police indifference to their safety, and a lack of prosecutorial rigor.

The New York Times

What's prevented us from deciphering society's mathematical underpinnings up to now, Pentland believes, is a lack of empirical rigor in the social sciences.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When criticizing a process or study, specify what aspect of the methodology or analysis suffered from "a lack of rigor". Provide concrete examples to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the consequences of "a lack of rigor". While it can weaken findings or processes, it doesn't automatically invalidate them. Acknowledge potential limitations without resorting to hyperbole.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lack of rigor" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the absence of thoroughness, precision, and discipline in a particular process, analysis, or methodology, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lack of rigor" is a noun phrase used to denote the absence of thoroughness, precision, and discipline. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While not exceptionally frequent, it appears commonly in News & Media, Science, and Academia, carrying a neutral to formal tone. When employing this phrase, ensure you specify the area lacking rigor and avoid overstating the impact. Alternatives include "insufficient thoroughness" and "inadequate precision". Understanding these nuances ensures precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insufficient thoroughness

Emphasizes the absence of detailed completeness and careful attention.

inadequate precision

Highlights the deficiency in exactness and accuracy.

deficient discipline

Focuses on the absence of systematic and controlled practice.

laxity in methodology

Points to a looseness or carelessness in following a systematic procedure.

absence of stringency

Indicates a lack of strictness or severity in application or enforcement.

want of meticulousness

Highlights the lack of extreme care and precision.

careless approach

Indicates negligence and a lack of attention to detail.

haphazardness

Emphasizes the randomness and lack of planning or organization.

superficiality

Suggests a lack of depth and a focus on the surface aspects.

sketchiness

Implies incompleteness and a lack of detailed development.

FAQs

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

You can use "a lack of rigor" to describe a process, analysis, or argument that is not thorough, precise, or well-supported. For example, "The investigation suffered from "a lack of rigor", leading to questionable conclusions".

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

Depending on the specific context, you can use alternatives such as "insufficient thoroughness", "inadequate precision", or "deficient discipline".

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

Both "lack of rigor" and "a lack of rigor" are grammatically correct. "A lack of rigor" is often used when referring to a specific instance or situation where rigor is absent, while "lack of rigor" can be used more generally.

What does "a lack of rigor" imply?

"A lack of rigor" implies that something is missing the necessary thoroughness, precision, and discipline required for a sound or reliable outcome. It suggests that the process or analysis may be flawed or unreliable.