a time of lack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a time of lack" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period characterized by scarcity or deficiency, whether in resources, opportunities, or other aspects of life. Example: "During the economic downturn, many families experienced a time of lack, struggling to make ends meet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

At a time of lack of faith in politicians, it would be the worst option to allow game-playing to block a format that the public find valuable.

The Guardian - Opinion

I admit my developmental years were a time of lack, but like we used to say at McRonald House, turn that upside-down frown upside down.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"At a time of having a lack of clarity on pretty much everything especially related to government, it was super refreshing," Hadden said of participatory budgeting.

Huffington Post

Zidane voiced an alternative view: "Why put another layer of gold on the Bentley when you are losing the entire engine?" It was symbolic of a time when a lack of stability ultimately cost Madrid progression in Europe.

The Guardian - Sport

However, such performance is not maintained for a long time because of lack of stability of the absorbing fluid.

Energy Conversion and Management

Firefox arrived in 2004, at a time when a lack of common standards meant not every website could be read by all browsers.

The Guardian - Tech

I try taking on one element at a time, but my lack of focus eventually throws me off.

Huffington Post

All participants felt that the project added to their workload and was further complicated by a lack of time, a lack of clarity or miscommunication stemming from various aspects of the research project.

BMC Geriatrics

For example, the lack of adherence to clinical practice guidelines may be due to the lack of knowledge about them and the presence of barriers that prevent their use such as a lack of time, a lack of resources, organizational aspects or even resistance to changing work habits.

Annals of Intensive Care

Seventy-five GPs did not want to participate in this study due to a lack of time (N=68), lack of interest (N= 6) or pregnancy (N=1).

BMC Family Practice

We don't know if it was a matter of lack of time, desire for money, or mere unintentional negligence.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a time of lack" to describe historical or societal periods when resources or opportunities were limited. For instance, you might say, "The Great Depression was a time of lack for many families."

Common error

Avoid using "a time of lack" when referring to a temporary inconvenience or minor shortage. The phrase implies a significant and prolonged deprivation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a time of lack" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used to modify a noun or verb by providing contextual information about when a deficiency or scarcity existed. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a time of lack" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe a period characterized by scarcity or deficiency. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. While not exceedingly common, appearing rarely in the analyzed sources, it is found across various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Scientific domains. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a significant period of deprivation rather than a minor inconvenience. Alternative phrases such as "a period of scarcity" or "a time of hardship" may be more familiar to readers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a period of scarcity

Emphasizes the scarcity aspect more directly than the original phrase.

a period of deficiency

Highlights the insufficiency of something during that time.

a season of want

Uses more figurative language to describe a time of need.

an era of deprivation

Suggests a more prolonged and severe lack.

a moment of need

Focuses on a specific instance where something is lacking.

a time of hardship

Highlights the difficulties caused by the lack.

a stretch of leanness

Implies a period of economic difficulty or reduced resources.

a spell of destitution

Indicates a state of extreme poverty or lack of resources.

a phase of privation

Focuses on the suffering resulting from the lack of necessities.

an age of austerity

Refers to a period of strict economic measures and reduced spending due to scarcity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a time of lack" to describe historical periods or personal experiences marked by scarcity or deficiency. For example, "The war years were "a time of lack" for many, with rationing and shortages being commonplace."

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

Some alternatives include "a period of scarcity", "a time of hardship", or "an era of deprivation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "a time of lack" or "a time of scarcity"?

Both phrases are correct, but "a period of scarcity" might be more commonly used and readily understood. "A time of lack" can sound slightly more formal or literary.

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

"A time of lack" refers to a period characterized by a deficiency of resources or opportunities, whereas "a lack of time" refers specifically to an insufficient amount of time for a task or activity.