are lacking in

USAGE SUMMARY

"are lacking in" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express a deficiency or lack of an element. For example: Our group was lacking in enthusiasm for the project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most are lacking in charm".

The New Yorker

'We are lacking in confidence.

The Guardian - Sport

But some provinces are lacking in police officers.

The New York Times

They are lacking in frills but exude power.

The Guardian - Sport

And solutions for them are lacking in the marketplace.

The New York Times

There is no doubt they are lacking in discomfiting realism, much less gravitas.

The New York Times - Magazine

"They are lacking in the absolute fundamentals of how to handle art," she told me.

The New Yorker

Well-paying, full-time jobs with benefits are lacking in Maine.

The New York Times

"Not that the academics of the parish schools are lacking in any way," he said.

The New York Times

But although the United States team is bursting with character, its members are lacking in experience.

The Guardian

In short, if you don't eat clean you are lacking in virtue.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are lacking in", ensure clarity by specifying exactly what is missing. For instance, instead of saying "The plan is lacking in", specify "The plan is lacking in detail".

Common error

While "are lacking in" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in contexts demanding extreme formality. Alternatives like "are deficient in" or more direct statements might be preferable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are lacking in" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject as deficient or missing a particular quality or attribute. As Ludwig AI states, it expresses a deficiency or lack of an element. For example, "They are lacking in frills but exude power."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

31%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are lacking in" is a versatile and frequently used expression for indicating a deficiency or absence of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. While it's a common phrase, it's advisable to use it with clarity, specifying exactly what is missing. Consider alternatives such as "are deficient in" or "are short on" depending on the desired tone and context. As seen across many examples from The New York Times, The Guardian, and scientific journals, "are lacking in" is a reliable phrase to have in your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are deficient in

Emphasizes a shortage or inadequacy of something.

are short on

Indicates an insufficient amount or supply of something.

are wanting in

Highlights a deficiency or absence, often in a more formal tone.

are missing

Focuses on the absence of something that should be present.

are without

States the absence of something, emphasizing a lack of possession.

do not have

A straightforward way to express the absence of something.

are absent of

Similar to "are missing", but can sometimes imply a complete void.

are bereft of

Implies a significant loss or deprivation of something.

are devoid of

Highlights a complete absence of something, often in a more descriptive manner.

fall short in

Indicates a failure to meet a certain standard or requirement.

FAQs

How to use "are lacking in" in a sentence?

You can use "are lacking in" to indicate a deficiency or absence. For example, "The smaller bedrooms "are lacking in" closet space" or "Many of the Trump supporters "are lacking in" empathy".

What can I say instead of "are lacking in"?

You can use alternatives like "are deficient in", "are short on", or "are wanting in" depending on the context.

Is "are lacking in" formal or informal?

"Are lacking in" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally considered more neutral. In extremely formal writing, consider using "are deficient in" for added emphasis.

What's the difference between "are lacking in" and "are missing"?

While both indicate absence, ""are lacking in"" implies a deficiency, whereas "are missing" simply states that something is not present. For example, "The report is lacking in detail" suggests the detail should be there, while "The report is missing a page" indicates a physical absence.