a lack of unity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lack of unity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is no cohesion or agreement among a group or within a system. Example: "The team's performance suffered due to a lack of unity among its members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

There is a lack of unity among the Indians.

Columbia University

Things like sweaters and hats might sound irrelevant but they can betray a lack of unity.

The Guardian - Sport

You can't take part in a coup and then blame your betrayed leader for a lack of unity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Winfield's off-the-field scuffles with George Steinbrenner have precipitated a lack of unity among the Yankee players.

The New York Times - Sports

"Mr Annan's reference to a lack of unity at the security council is not a reference to China and Russia.

The Guardian

This feud, several union leaders said, shows that New York City's giant union movement is again suffering from a lack of unity and effectiveness.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

What Ms. Jerrell may call a lack of political unity at Bonnaroo, I construe as a covert political message, one in which my generation aspires to bring peace and understanding through shared interests and goals.

The New York Times

They blamed it on the prevalence of gangs and guns and a lack of community unity to find a solution.

The New York Times

He seemed to detect in them a lack of family unity, an absence of that general harmony which all the Frasers prided themselves.

The New Yorker

The British and French governments had urged him not to go, arguing that it would help Ahmadinejad electorally and show a lack of western unity.

The Guardian

Even the US defense secretary, Ashton Carter, undercut the FBI in public by singing the praises of encryption in a recent speech, suggesting a lack of government unity behind the FBI push.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a lack of unity", ensure the context clearly defines the group or entity experiencing disunity. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid attributing "a lack of unity" as the sole cause of a complex problem. Consider other contributing factors such as resource constraints, leadership issues, or external pressures.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lack of unity" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the absence of cohesion or agreement within a group, organization, or system. As Ludwig AI exemplifies, it's a common expression across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a lack of unity" is a grammatically sound and widely used noun phrase that describes the absence of cohesion or agreement. As Ludwig AI shows, it appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While maintaining a generally neutral register, it serves the purpose of identifying deficiencies and suggesting improvements. Related phrases include "absence of solidarity" and "deficiency in cohesion". When employing this phrase, ensure the context is clear and avoid attributing it as the sole cause of complex problems.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absence of solidarity

Emphasizes the absence of mutual support and shared purpose.

deficiency in cohesion

Focuses on the impaired ability to stick together or act as one.

want of harmony

Highlights the absence of agreement or pleasing arrangement.

breakdown in accord

Indicates a failure to maintain agreement or consensus.

discord among members

Specifies that disagreement and strife exists within a group.

division within ranks

Suggests a split or separation within an organization or team.

fractured relationships

Indicates damaged or broken connections between individuals or groups.

lack of consensus

Highlights the absence of a generally accepted agreement.

absence of agreement

Directly states that there is no mutual understanding or acceptance.

disunity in purpose

Emphasizes the lack of shared goals or objectives.

FAQs

How can "a lack of unity" affect a team?

"A lack of unity" can lead to decreased productivity, internal conflicts, and a failure to achieve common goals. Addressing disunity is crucial for improving team performance.

What are some signs of "a lack of unity" in an organization?

Signs include frequent disagreements, poor communication, siloed departments, and a general lack of collaboration. Addressing these issues can help foster "greater cohesion".

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

You can use alternatives like "absence of solidarity", "deficiency in cohesion", or "want of harmony" depending on the specific context.

How does "a lack of unity" differ from "a lack of cohesion"?

While similar, "a lack of unity" implies a division in purpose or agreement, whereas "a lack of cohesion" suggests a failure to stick together or function as a whole. Therefore, "absence of solidarity" is closest to disunity.