are seriously lacking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are seriously lacking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is deficient or insufficient in a significant way. Example: "The resources provided for the project are seriously lacking, making it difficult to achieve our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"But we are seriously lacking onramps".

The New York Times - Magazine

"We are seriously lacking in the necessary budget and professional staff.

The Guardian

One suspects that the supporters of the San Diego cross and Larry Alan Burns, a federal judge, are seriously lacking in irony and maybe logic.

The New York Times

Still, they are seriously lacking in other ways to score, which could hurt if they make the playoffs and face elite pitching.

The Guardian - Sport

"We are seriously lacking medical facilities, and there is no space to treat injured people in the local hospitals," Jan Muhammad Buledi, a provincial spokesman, was quoted as saying by local television networks.

The New York Times

The worry is that this will become a self-fulfilling prophecy as investors rush to the exit doors and businesses and households stop spending and, if a financial market rout feeds through to a new recession, policymakers are seriously lacking in tools to fight the new downturn.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

It showed that they  were "seriously lacking controls and oversight".

The New York Times

But it's seriously lacking in incident and dramatic drive.

The Guardian - Film

And for some reason the tennis center was seriously lacking in fans around lunchtime.

The New York Times

Equal parts strength, flexibility and grace — all qualities in which I am seriously lacking.

The New York Times

But when it comes to racial equality, I am finding more and more that feminism here is seriously lacking.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are seriously lacking", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is deficient and why it matters. Provide specific examples to strengthen your argument.

Common error

While "are seriously lacking" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for more relaxed alternatives to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are seriously lacking" functions as a subject complement, describing a state of deficiency or inadequacy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and serves to emphasize that something is notably missing or insufficient, similar to how Ludwig examples showcase its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

44%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are seriously lacking" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a notable deficiency or inadequacy. Ludwig AI indicates its acceptability in written English. While it is commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it may be less frequent in strictly formal or academic writing. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly specifies what is deficient and consider more formal alternatives like "are severely deficient" in certain situations. The phrase is most effective when supporting claims with specific examples and providing context for the deficiency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are severely deficient

Emphasizes the degree of deficiency, highlighting it as severe.

are critically short

Focuses on the shortage aspect, implying a critical need.

are significantly inadequate

Highlights the inadequacy, suggesting a notable shortfall.

are markedly insufficient

Emphasizes that the insufficiency is clearly noticeable or evident.

are notably absent

Shifts focus to the absence of something, making it a key point.

are gravely wanting

Uses 'wanting' to suggest a serious need or deficiency.

are acutely scarce

Highlights the scarcity and its severity.

are sorely missing

Emphasizes the feeling of lack or need.

have a significant deficit

Focuses on the deficit or shortage as a quantifiable problem.

are conspicuously devoid

Highlights that something is strikingly missing.

FAQs

How can I use "are seriously lacking" in a sentence?

Use "are seriously lacking" to express that something has a significant deficiency. For example, "The resources "are seriously lacking" for this project, making it difficult to complete."

What are some alternatives to "are seriously lacking"?

Alternatives include "are severely deficient", "are critically short", or "are significantly inadequate", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "are seriously lacking" or "are significantly deficient"?

Both phrases are correct, but "are significantly deficient" might sound more formal. The best choice depends on the context and desired tone. "Are seriously lacking" is slightly less formal and more direct.

Can "are seriously lacking" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "are seriously lacking" is appropriate in formal writing when you want to emphasize a significant deficiency. However, ensure the tone matches the overall formality of the piece; consider "are severely deficient" or "are significantly inadequate" for potentially more formal alternatives.