a lack of sufficient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lack of sufficient" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that there is not enough of something, or that something is not enough in quantity or quality. It can be used in various contexts, such as describing a shortage of resources, a deficiency in knowledge or skills, or a gap in understanding. Example: "There was a lack of sufficient evidence to prosecute the suspect, leading to the case being dismissed." In this sentence, "a lack of sufficient" is used to convey that there was not enough evidence to support the prosecution of the suspect.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This seems to imply a lack of sufficient competition.

The Economist

The service was suspended eight months ago because of a lack of sufficient ridership.

The New York Times

That exposed the problem as a lack of sufficient collaboration across units and functions.

Harvard Business Review

If anything, though, the carnage on our roads reflects a lack of sufficient regulation.

The New York Times

Other programs were cut, with the committee citing a lack of sufficient science to support them.

The New York Times

Wednesday March 26 The Financial Services Authority admits there was a lack of sufficient supervision over Northern Rock.

The Guardian - Business

Frustrated by a lack of sufficient space for its shows, the museum is now opening satellite branches.

The New York Times

However, a lack of sufficient anti-ischemic effect has always been ascribed to this drug.

International Journal of Cardiology

The underlying cause of the failure may be traced to a lack of sufficient backfill stiffness.

Failure Analysis Case Studies II

Historical scholarship regarding Ibn Ḥanbal and his school has suffered from a lack of sufficient documentation, among other things.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There was a shortage of fire engines and a lack of sufficient water for the fire hoses.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a lack of sufficient", ensure that the noun it modifies is clearly defined and that the context makes the deficiency explicit. For example, specify "a lack of sufficient funding" rather than just "a lack of sufficient".

Common error

Avoid using "a lack of sufficient" when a simpler term like "insufficient" or "inadequate" would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lack of sufficient" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It indicates a deficiency or inadequacy in the quantity or quality of something, highlighting that there is not enough of what is needed. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a lack of sufficient" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate a deficiency or inadequacy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently employed across various contexts like news reporting, scientific research, and formal business communication. While simpler alternatives like "insufficient" or "inadequate" exist, "a lack of sufficient" serves to clearly highlight a problem stemming from a shortage or deficiency. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating what is lacking and avoid redundancy for conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insufficient

A direct synonym, implying not enough of something.

inadequate

Similar to insufficient, but often emphasizes a deficiency in quality or suitability.

a shortage of

Focuses on the limited quantity or availability of something.

a deficit of

Implies a lack or deficiency, often in a measurable quantity.

a scarcity of

Highlights the rarity or limited supply of something.

an absence of adequate

More formal and emphasizes the complete lack of something that is necessary.

a dearth of

A more literary term for a scarcity or lack.

limited

Describes something as being restricted in amount or extent.

meager

Suggests that something is deficient in quantity or quality; scanty.

patchy

Describes that something occurs irregularly or inconsistently.

FAQs

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

You can use "a lack of sufficient" to describe a deficiency or shortage. For example: "The project failed due to a lack of sufficient resources".

What's the difference between "a lack of sufficient" and "a lack of adequate"?

While similar, "a lack of "adequate"" emphasizes that something is not good enough for the purpose, while "a lack of sufficient" highlights that there isn't enough of something.

What can I say instead of "a lack of sufficient"?

Consider using alternatives like "insufficient", "inadequate", or "a shortage of" depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to use "sufficient" after "a lack of"?

No, you can often use simpler terms. "A lack of" can be followed by other adjectives like "a lack of proper planning" or "a lack of clear communication".