a noticeable lack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a noticeable lack" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a clear or evident absence of something in a particular context. Example: "In the recent survey, there was a noticeable lack of responses from the younger demographic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But there was a noticeable lack of enthusiasm.

The Guardian

Inside, the architecture features skylights, wide hallways, ample public spaces and a noticeable lack of walls.

The New York Times

THERE'S a noticeable lack of black widow spiders in a certain apartment building in Kips Bay.

The New York Times

There is a noticeable lack of zeal for either Romney or Obama among these voters.

The New York Times

However, even in densely populated areas there was a noticeable lack of twitter activity registered.

Independent

Among the winners, there was a noticeable lack of famous names, either from this country or certainly from France.

The New York Times

Despite so much innovative programming for children, there is a noticeable lack of new current-events shows.

The New York Times

Mr. Affleck handles his own roles, on camera and behind it, with a noticeable lack of self-aggrandizement.

The New York Times

"Mr. Affleck handles his own roles, on camera and behind it, with a noticeable lack of self-aggrandizement," she added.

The New York Times - Arts

In the region, the troubles of Ivory Coast, once the most stable country in West Africa, have been greeted with a noticeable lack of sympathy.

The New York Times

But the main reason for a noticeable lack of outrage may simply be that Angelenos of all ethnicities tacitly condone harsh measures to suppress the gangs.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a noticeable lack", ensure the context clearly identifies what is missing. For instance, instead of saying "There's a noticeable lack", specify "There's a noticeable lack of funding for the project".

Common error

Avoid using "a noticeable lack" in overly general statements where the missing element is not clear or specific. Vague usage weakens the impact of your writing. Provide clear context to enhance understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a noticeable lack" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It indicates the absence or deficiency of something that is easily observed or apparent. This is confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a noticeable lack" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to highlight the apparent absence or deficiency of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, its function is to draw attention to what is missing, serving an informative purpose. While suitable for various registers, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what exactly is lacking. Consider alternatives like "a distinct absence" or "a marked deficiency" for subtle variations in meaning. Avoid overuse in vague statements to maintain impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a distinct absence

Replaces "noticeable" with "distinct", emphasizing clarity and ease of perception of the absence.

a marked deficiency

Substitutes "lack" with "deficiency" and "noticeable" with "marked", highlighting the inadequacy of something.

a clear shortage

Uses "shortage" in place of "lack", suggesting an insufficient quantity of something, and "clear" instead of "noticeable".

a palpable absence

Replaces "noticeable" with "palpable", indicating that the absence is easily felt or perceived.

a conspicuous dearth

Substitutes "lack" with "dearth" and "noticeable" with "conspicuous", indicating a scarcity that is highly apparent.

a significant void

Replaces "lack" with "void" and "noticeable" with "significant", suggesting a substantial gap or emptiness.

an evident scarcity

Replaces "lack" with "scarcity" and "noticeable" with "evident", highlighting that the lack is apparent.

a glaring omission

Substitutes "lack" with "omission" and "noticeable" with "glaring", implying a striking exclusion or oversight.

a striking inadequacy

Replaces "lack" with "inadequacy" and "noticeable" with "striking", suggesting a notable insufficiency.

a visible deficit

Uses "deficit" instead of "lack" and "visible" instead of "noticeable", indicating a shortfall that is easy to see.

FAQs

How can I use "a noticeable lack" in a sentence?

Use "a noticeable lack" to point out the clear absence of something. For example, "There was "a noticeable lack" of enthusiasm among the volunteers."

What are some alternatives to "a noticeable lack"?

Alternatives include "a distinct absence", "a marked deficiency", or "a clear shortage", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "a noticeable lack" or "a significant lack"?

Both phrases are correct, but "noticeable" implies something easily observed, while "significant" suggests something important or consequential. Choose the word that best fits the context. You may also consider other options like "a considerable lack".

Can "a noticeable lack" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "a noticeable lack" is suitable for formal writing. However, consider whether a more precise term, such as "a palpable absence" or "a conspicuous dearth", might be more appropriate depending on the audience and context.