a little lacking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little lacking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is somewhat deficient or insufficient in a particular aspect. Example: "The presentation was informative, but it was a little lacking in visual aids to engage the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It feels a little lacking in joy".

The New York Times

It was an icon of unpretention, though a little lacking fare-wise.

The New York Times - Travel

Sounds like: Hugely refined modern pop that is, dare we say, a little lacking in character.

The Guardian - Music

Oddly enough, the title character is a little lacking in complication.

The New York Times

In other words, though the series was great, the finale was more than a little lacking.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Dibben has youth on his side but appears a little lacking in confidence, according to Salzwedel.

The Guardian - Sport

Her voice, though a little lacking in power, is of beautifully pure quality and extremely flexible.

The Guardian - Music

Sky blue was otherwise a little lacking on a horrible, murky afternoon at The Rec.

The Guardian - Sport

Of course, I've done other things, so I'm a little lacking and feel guilty about that".

The Guardian

Like the well-kempt, ritualized lives they depict, these paintings are immaculately executed, if a little lacking in vital juices.

The New York Times - Arts

The on-pitch action can feel a little lacking in physicality, but is rarely in intimacy or accuracy of controls.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a little lacking", ensure the context provides a clear understanding of what is deficient. For example, "The movie was visually stunning, but a little lacking in plot."

Common error

While "a little lacking" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated vocabulary to describe deficiencies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little lacking" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It serves to qualify a subject by indicating a slight deficiency or inadequacy. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Tech

10%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a little lacking" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that is somewhat deficient or inadequate. Ludwig AI validates its acceptability in written English. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, with other frequent categories including tech and sports. While generally considered neutral in tone, more formal options may be preferred for academic or business writing. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies what specific aspect is deficient. Alternatives such as "somewhat deficient" or "slightly inadequate" offer more formal options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Somewhat deficient

Emphasizes a degree of inadequacy, similar to "a little lacking" but more formal.

Slightly inadequate

Focuses on not meeting the required standard, similar in degree to "a little lacking".

Slightly deficient

Similar to "a little lacking", it indicates a mild deficiency.

Somewhat inadequate

Mirrors "a little lacking" by highlighting an insufficient quality or quantity.

A bit short

Implies a small degree of deficiency, often used in a more informal context than "a little lacking".

A touch deficient

Emphasizes a very small degree of inadequacy, comparable to "a little lacking".

Marginally insufficient

Highlights a minimal level of inadequacy, more formal than "a little lacking".

Somewhat wanting

Suggests that something is missing or needed, akin to "a little lacking" in implying a deficit.

A shade insufficient

Implies a barely noticeable level of inadequacy, similar to "a little lacking" in its mildness.

Not quite up to par

Indicates that something doesn't meet the expected level, similar to saying it's "a little lacking".

FAQs

What does "a little lacking" mean?

The phrase "a little lacking" means that something is somewhat deficient or not quite adequate in a particular aspect.

What can I say instead of "a little lacking"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat deficient", "slightly inadequate", or "a bit short" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a little lacking"?

Yes, the phrase "a little lacking" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English.

How formal is the phrase "a little lacking"?

The phrase "a little lacking" is generally considered neutral to informal. More formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or business contexts.