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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
are wanting in
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "are wanting in" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a lack or deficiency in something. Example: "The team's performance in the last match shows that they are wanting in coordination and strategy."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(8)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
6 human-written examples
Brooklynites should not conclude they are wanting in the fame department, however.
News & Media
If some lack the subtlety of their London predecessors, none are wanting in present-tense vividness.
News & Media
On the other hand, he went on, "the natives of Asia are intelligent and inventive, but they are wanting in spirit, and therefore they are always in a state of subjection and slavery".
News & Media
However, the current priority setting process for FMNCH at district levels are wanting in several aspects.
Science
An opinion seems to prevail that the Theme Groups are wanting in strategic direction and analytical depth.
Formal & Business
However, the current priority setting process for FMNCH at district levels are wanting in several aspects rendering the priority setting process for FMNCH inefficient and unfair (or unsuccessful).
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
53 human-written examples
Facts alone are wanted in life".
News & Media
Both are wanted in the United States.
News & Media
Should we be granting asylum to people who are wanted in their own countries?
News & Media
Thermoacoustic oscillations triggered by transient energy growth of flow disturbances are wanted in thermoacoustic prime movers or cooling systems.
This is wanting, in Berridge's scheme.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "are wanting in", ensure the context is appropriate and the phrasing adds nuance compared to simpler alternatives like "lack". Consider whether a more direct statement would be clearer.
Common error
Avoid using "are wanting in" when a more straightforward phrase like "lack" or "are missing" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or stilted.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "are wanting in" functions as a copular verb followed by an adjective phrase indicating a deficiency or lack. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound, indicating that something or someone is deficient in a specific attribute or quality.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Science
33%
Formal & Business
17%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "are wanting in" is a grammatically correct expression used to denote a deficiency or lack, predominantly in formal contexts such as news, science, and business communication. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability, although simpler alternatives may often be more appropriate. While not incorrect, careful consideration should be given to the context to avoid sounding overly formal. Related phrases include "are lacking in" and "are deficient in", offering similar but slightly different nuances.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
are lacking in
Replaces "wanting" with "lacking", a more common synonym that maintains the same grammatical structure.
are deficient in
Substitutes "wanting" with "deficient", conveying a stronger sense of inadequacy or incompleteness.
fall short in
Uses "fall short" to express that something does not meet the required standard or expectation.
are short on
Uses "short on" instead of "wanting in", offering a more informal way to express a lack of something.
are missing
Replaces the entire phrase with a simpler construction, indicating that something is absent or not present.
do not have enough of
Emphasizes the insufficiency of something, rather than a complete absence.
require improvement in
Shifts the focus to the need for enhancement, rather than directly stating a deficiency.
need to improve in
Similar to "require improvement in", this alternative emphasizes the need for betterment in a specific area.
could use more
Offers a more casual way of saying that something is lacking or could be improved.
do not possess
Replaces the entire phrase with a more direct statement of not having something necessary.
FAQs
How can I use "are wanting in" in a sentence?
Use "are wanting in" to indicate a deficiency or lack of something. For example, "The project proposals are wanting in detail" means the proposals lack sufficient detail.
What are some alternatives to "are wanting in"?
You can use alternatives like "are lacking in", "are deficient in", or "fall short in" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is "are wanting in" formal or informal?
"Are wanting in" tends to be more formal than alternatives like "lack" or "are missing". Choose your phrasing based on the context and audience.
What is the difference between "are wanting in" and "are lacking in"?
While similar, "are wanting in" might suggest a more critical assessment of a deficiency, whereas "are lacking in" is a more neutral observation. The interchangeability depends heavily on the specific context.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested