Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
availability or lack thereof
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "availability or lack thereof" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the presence or absence of something, typically in a formal or professional context. Example: "We need to assess the availability or lack thereof of resources before proceeding with the project."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Alternative expressions(2)
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
4 human-written examples
We have a few ideas in the works, many of which are limited by the availability (or lack thereof) of real-time race data, but we'd love to see what readers of the Bike Blog think would be interesting or useful in these contexts.
News & Media
McCarthy said earlier this week he hopes King's injury will be "short term". But as King's availability — or lack thereof — becomes a greater issue, the frustrations grow.
News & Media
Interestingly, poor oral health did not seem to be related to availability (or lack thereof) of highly organised dental care.
There were two main barriers to completing more interviews: interview length and the availability (or lack thereof) of staff and relatives.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
You have to book through a Citi partner travel agent, and the terms and conditions for this benefit are rife with anxiety-producing bits about the partner determining the airline and routing, limited availability, airline participation (or lack thereof) and the possibility of earning no airline miles.
News & Media
The availability of investor capital, or lack thereof, is essential at funding home ownership in America.
News & Media
Ah, the social life, or lack thereof.
News & Media
"Or lack thereof," Mr. Bulluck added.
News & Media
Not one addressed the issue of choice, or lack thereof.
News & Media
F.D.A. sanctioning, or lack thereof, will not change this.
News & Media
Tools, or lack thereof, are often the issue.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Consider using the phrase when you want to acknowledge both the presence and potential absence of something in a formal or neutral tone.
Common error
Avoid using "availability or lack thereof" in casual conversation. Simpler phrases like "whether it's available" or "if it exists" are more appropriate.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "availability or lack thereof" functions as a nominal phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It indicates a condition regarding the possibility of obtaining or utilizing something. Ludwig's examples illustrate its role in discussing resources, data, and access.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Science
50%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "availability or lack thereof" is a phrase used to acknowledge the presence and potential absence of something, generally in formal or neutral contexts. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct, although relatively rare in usage. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Science domains. Ludwig's examples show the usage of this phrase for talking about opportunities, funding and resources. When writing, be mindful of the formality of your text and use simpler alternatives in casual writing. It is generally more suitable for formal or professional contexts.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
Presence or absence
Focuses on simple existence rather than the ability to use something.
Existence or non-existence
Highlights the state of being, differing from the possibility of use.
Extent of accessibility
Emphasizes the degree to which something can be reached or obtained.
Degree of obtainability
Shifts the focus to the possibility of acquiring something.
Level of access
Zeroes in on the opportunity or right to use something.
Supply or shortage
Addresses the quantity of something available.
Prevalence or scarcity
Highlights the commonness versus rarity of something.
Presence or deficiency
Contrasts having something with lacking it.
State of readiness
Focuses on whether something is prepared and ready for use.
Capacity or inadequacy
Discusses the ability versus inability to meet a need.
FAQs
How can I use "availability or lack thereof" in a sentence?
This phrase is used to acknowledge both the presence and potential absence of something. For example, "The project's success depends on the "availability or lack thereof" of funding."
What are some alternatives to "availability or lack thereof"?
You can use alternatives like "presence or absence", "existence or non-existence", or "supply or shortage" depending on the specific context.
Is "availability or lack thereof" suitable for informal writing?
While grammatically correct, "availability or lack thereof" is generally more suitable for formal or professional contexts. In informal writing, consider using simpler alternatives.
How does "availability or lack thereof" differ from "presence or absence"?
"Availability or lack thereof" specifically refers to the possibility of obtaining or using something, while "presence or absence" simply indicates whether something exists.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
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