a lack of self discipline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lack of self discipline" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing issues related to personal behavior, motivation, or the inability to control one's actions or impulses. Example: "His failure to meet deadlines is often attributed to a lack of self discipline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And on Monday night, she took on New Jersey's blunt-talking governor, her fellow Republican Chris Christie, declaring that he had gotten "his panties in a wad" in a "rookie mistake" that reflected a "lack of self discipline".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Trojans conjured a way to lose despite Lee's production, thanks largely to a lack of self-discipline.

The New York Times

The problem was "a lack of self-discipline", a heady pursuit of profit, bad regulation and a distorted understanding of risk.

The Guardian - Opinion

A lack of self-discipline in being involved in elections, especially by a court of last resort, always has the potential of leading to a crisis with the other branches of government and raises serious separation-of-powers concerns.

The New York Times

In sharing stories about their lives, Horwitz said, abiders were much more likely to express conscientiousness and a cooperative disposition than avoiders, who were more likely to demonstrate rebelliousness and a lack of self-discipline.

Stanford University

"It's a lack of self-discipline many times, and even if we, say, limited a hamburger to being no more than 200 calories, it doesn't mean I won't choose to eat four of them".

The New York Times

Until I finally sought help for my illness, I was convinced that my failure to curb my behaviour came down to a lack of will, a lack of self-discipline, greed or self-indulgence – to something that was fundamentally wrong with me, some shameful weakness.

The Guardian - Opinion

A lack of self-discipline to stay persistent in achieving a goal.

Forbes

If you max out every credit card that you are given, it shows a lack of self-discipline.

Forbes

In the UK, one in four of us will experience a mental health problem each year, yet one in five still believe that the main cause is simply "a lack of self-discipline and willpower".

Vice

This is the tip of the iceberg, meant for illustrative purposes so you know I'm not, like, dabbling in Whole Foods-style self-health endeavors, dropping $200 on supplements that will expire before they're ever finished because there's a lack of self-discipline.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing personal development or providing constructive feedback, frame "a lack of self discipline" as an area for growth and improvement, rather than a fixed character flaw.

Common error

Avoid attributing failures solely to "a lack of self discipline" without considering external factors or underlying issues that may contribute to the problem. Acknowledge potential environmental influences or psychological factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lack of self discipline" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence, describing the absence of the ability to control one's actions and impulses. Ludwig examples show its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lack of self discipline" is a common noun phrase used to describe the absence of control over one's actions and impulses. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts and is used to explain negative outcomes or behaviors. Related phrases include "insufficient self-control" and "weak willpower". When using the phrase, consider the context and avoid overgeneralizing the causes. Frame it as an area for growth and improvement when discussing personal development. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively use "a lack of self discipline" in your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insufficient self-control

Emphasizes the inadequate ability to manage one's own impulses or actions.

deficiency in self-discipline

Highlights the shortage or absence of self-imposed rules and order.

poor self-regulation

Focuses on the impaired ability to modulate one's behavior effectively.

weak willpower

Underscores the insufficient mental strength to resist temptations or persevere through challenges.

absence of self-control

Directly states the non-existence of the ability to govern one's actions.

inability to self-regulate

Highlights the incapability of managing emotions and behavior.

lack of restraint

Emphasizes the absence of moderation and control over impulses.

poor impulse control

Focuses specifically on the inability to manage sudden urges or desires.

weakened self-governance

Highlights an impaired capacity to direct one's own actions and choices.

failure of self-mastery

Suggests a defeat in achieving control over one's own desires and behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "a lack of self discipline" in a sentence?

You can use "a lack of self discipline" to explain why someone is failing to achieve their goals, struggling with bad habits, or making poor choices. For example, "His weight gain is due to "a lack of self discipline" when it comes to eating healthy food."

What are some alternatives to saying "a lack of self discipline"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "insufficient self-control", "weak willpower", or "poor self-regulation".

Is it always negative to point out "a lack of self discipline"?

While the phrase itself describes a deficit, pointing it out can be constructive if done sensitively and with the goal of helping someone improve. Focus on solutions and support, rather than simply criticizing "a lack of self discipline".

What's the difference between "a lack of self discipline" and "laziness"?

"A lack of self discipline" refers specifically to the inability to control one's impulses or actions, while laziness implies a general unwillingness to exert effort. While related, they are not interchangeable; someone might be disciplined in some areas but lazy in others, or vice versa.