absence of determination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absence of determination" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack of resolve or decisiveness in a person or situation. Example: "The absence of determination in his approach to the project led to its eventual failure."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The scion's late arrival and his absence of determination give the impression that a visit to Uttarakhand had been suggested to him by his advisors and that his heart was really not in it.

The New York Times

There are, however, two different kinds of indeterminacy: privative indeterminacy (the mere absence of determination, that is, the indeterminacy of what can be conceived regardless of its determinations, though being in itself fully determinable) and negative indeterminacy (that is, the indeterminacy of what is so simple and subsistent as not to allow any further determination).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Merkel's ability to make May feel at ease is no indication of her lack of resolve, nor of an absence of steely determination.

The Guardian - Opinion

"On the particular facts of this case, we conclude that class certification was premature in the absence of a determination by the district court of the merits of Google's 'fair use' defense," the panel of judges said.

The New York Times

When using the TLR approach instead of SUR (i.e. in absence of SUVblood determination) this approximation would be the only feasible approach which we have thus used in the present investigation.

EJNMMI Research

The freedom of each event, the absence of divine determination, provides a way for process thought to avoid God being the cause of evil or containing evil as evil.

SEP

However, in the absence of formal determination of sex and age of the individuals involved in the observation sequences, we cannot attempt to make absolute interpretations of social ties and territorial characteristics of the species.

Acta Ethologica

In the absence of experimental determination the locations of the Ori and the Ter of A. actinomycetemcomitans strains identified in this study were in agreement with the available evidence as discussed below.

BMC Genomics

A type "H" ospC type was reported from synovial fluid from LB patients from the eastern United States (10 ), but in the absence of IGS determination, this was probably type Ha, which is more typical of that region (8 ).

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Exclusion criteria were being of minor age (< 18), presence of an absolute contraindication for corticosteroid injection, prior treatment in the last six months with steroid injection and/or surgery at the same anatomical location, possible traumatic or neoplastic origin of symptoms, inability to fill in follow-up forms or absence of self determination in the participating patient.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

The absence of such determinations [96 N.J. 543] is said to reflect a broad consensus that the imposition of liability arising from these social relations is unwise.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "absence of determination", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific outcome or goal the determination is lacking for. Be precise to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "absence of determination" can sound overly formal in casual contexts. Consider using simpler phrases like "lack of resolve" or "indecisiveness" for better readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absence of determination" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence or clause. It describes a state or condition, as seen in Ludwig's examples where it indicates a lack of resolve or decisiveness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "absence of determination" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote a lack of resolve or decisiveness. While Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness, it also suggests its usage is relatively rare and more common in formal contexts like science, news, and academic writing. Simpler alternatives, such as "lack of resolve" or "indecisiveness", might be preferable in more casual settings. Remember to be specific about what outcome the determination is lacking for when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of resolve

Focuses on the missing quality of firm decision-making.

lack of decisiveness

Highlights the inability to make prompt and firm decisions.

lack of commitment

Emphasizes a deficiency in dedication or willingness to invest effort.

want of purpose

Indicates a deficiency in having a clear goal or aim.

deficiency in willpower

Stresses the absence of the mental strength needed to pursue goals.

indecisiveness

Highlights the state of being unable to decide.

wavering spirit

Implies a fluctuating or unsteady mental state.

absence of dedication

Underscores the lack of devoted commitment to a cause or task.

feeble resolve

Suggests a weak or ineffective determination.

apathy

Indicates a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.

FAQs

How can I use "absence of determination" in a sentence?

You can use "absence of determination" to describe a lack of resolve or decisiveness. For example: "The project failed due to the team's absence of determination."

What can I say instead of "absence of determination"?

Alternatives include "lack of resolve", "lack of decisiveness", or "indecisiveness", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "lack of determination" or "absence of determination"?

Both "lack of determination" and "absence of determination" are grammatically correct. "Lack" is often considered more direct and common, while "absence" can sound more formal. The best choice depends on the context and desired tone.

What's the difference between "absence of determination" and "absence of dedication"?

"Absence of determination" refers to a lack of resolve or decisiveness in pursuing a specific goal, while "absence of dedication" implies a lack of commitment or devotion to a cause or task. Determination is about the will to achieve something, while dedication is about commitment over time.