a palpable lack of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a palpable lack of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a noticeable or evident absence of something, often in a context where the lack is significant or impactful. Example: "The meeting was marked by a palpable lack of enthusiasm from the team, indicating their discontent with the current project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Today, that translates into a palpable lack of security.

The New York Times

He has suffered this season from a palpable lack of match fitness.

The Guardian - Sport

Last week, he spoke with a palpable lack of passion, and indicated no long-term commitment to the country.

The New Yorker

You'd think together they would be a riot, but sadly there's a palpable lack of chuckles throughout.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Even though the candidates have spent months — or in the cases of Mr. Romney and Mr. Gingrich, years — introducing themselves, there is a palpable lack of passion for their candidacies.

The New York Times

But among government leaders in Berlin and Paris, where many of Europe's most important decisions are made, Mario Draghi, the governor of the Bank of Italy, generates a palpable lack of enthusiasm.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

It probably isn't a coincidence that in a film featuring no out gay actors, there is an almost palpable lack of passion or sensuality.

Vice

The non-striker shuffled across to ensure he wasn't blocking Thomson's – rather short – path to the ball, and looked up to see Boycott almost at his end despite the palpable lack of an available run.

The Guardian - Sport

I feel it had a hard life — neglected by the tech elite for its palpable lack of panache, and feared by the public as a phone for nerds, it was unfairly maligned yet loved by those who took the chance.

TechCrunch

I want the incredible arts culture of the UK to continue to thrive, despite the palpable lack of support from government.

The Guardian

His advisers have brushed aside questions about the palpable lack of enthusiasm surrounding his candidacy, but he will now have to address those concerns.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a palpable lack of" when you want to emphasize that the absence of something is easily perceived and creates a noticeable impact. This phrase is most effective when describing abstract concepts like enthusiasm, security, or inspiration.

Common error

Avoid using "a palpable lack of" in casual conversation or informal writing. This phrase is better suited for more formal or academic settings where a more sophisticated vocabulary is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a palpable lack of" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes an easily perceived absence. The examples show its use in various contexts, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a palpable lack of" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It effectively conveys a noticeable absence or deficiency, suitable for formal and neutral contexts. While not exceedingly common, it's a valuable phrase for emphasizing the significance of what's missing. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use across diverse domains, predominantly in News & Media and Science, reinforcing its versatility and contextual appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a noticeable absence of

Replaces 'palpable' with 'noticeable', indicating the lack is easily observed.

a clear deficiency in

Substitutes 'lack' with 'deficiency', suggesting an inadequacy or shortfall.

a marked shortage of

Replaces 'lack' with 'shortage', implying an insufficient quantity of something.

a distinct absence of

Uses 'distinct' instead of 'palpable', suggesting the absence is easily distinguishable.

an obvious dearth of

Replaces 'lack' with 'dearth', indicating a scarcity or famine-like absence.

a tangible void of

Uses 'tangible void' to emphasize the emptiness and perceptible nature of the absence.

a conspicuous want of

Replaces 'lack' with 'want', suggesting a need or desire that is unfulfilled.

a striking inadequacy in

Substitutes 'lack' with 'inadequacy', focusing on the insufficiency or unsuitability.

a patent insufficiency of

Replaces 'lack' with 'insufficiency', indicating not enough of something, and 'patent' for 'palpable' suggesting the lack is obvious.

a glaring omission of

Substitutes 'lack' with 'omission', highlighting something left out or excluded.

FAQs

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

You can use "a palpable lack of" to describe a noticeable absence of something. For example, "There was "a palpable lack of enthusiasm" during the presentation."

What are some alternatives to "a palpable lack of"?

Alternatives include "a noticeable absence of", "a clear deficiency in", or "a marked shortage of", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "palpable lack" or "clear lack"?

"Palpable lack" emphasizes that the lack is easily perceived or obvious. "Clear lack" simply indicates that the lack is evident. The choice depends on whether you want to stress the perceptibility of the absence.

What does "palpable" really mean in the context of "a palpable lack of"?

In this context, "palpable" means something that is easily perceived, obvious, or noticeable. It suggests that the lack is so evident that it can almost be felt or touched.