complete absence of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complete absence of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is entirely lacking or nonexistent in a particular context. Example: "The report highlighted a complete absence of evidence to support the claims made by the defendant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A complete absence of Isis.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The complete absence of colour, personality, distinction.

The Guardian - Opinion

There was an almost complete absence of possessions.

The New Yorker

People with a complete absence of self-restraint".

The Guardian - Opinion

The first is the complete absence of concrete news.

The Guardian - Tech

His complete absence of snobbery, cultural or otherwise.

The Guardian - Film

("Enemy Women" affects a complete absence of quotation marks).

The New York Times - Books

Most species grow only in the complete absence of oxygen.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nor is it just the complete absence of specifics.

The New York Times

The result was a complete absence of fertilization.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There is a nearly complete absence of wind and road noise, making conversation easy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context. While appropriate in many situations, a more nuanced phrase like "scarcity of" or "paucity of" might be more suitable for formal academic writing.

Common error

Avoid using "complete absence of" when you actually mean a deficiency or inadequacy. For instance, stating "there is a complete absence of effort" when there is some, albeit insufficient, effort is inaccurate and misleading. Use phrases like "lack of sufficient effort" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complete absence of" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It emphasizes the non-existence of something. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its versatility across various contexts, highlighting its ability to convey a strong sense of lacking.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "complete absence of" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to emphasize the total lack of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for a variety of contexts, especially in news, scientific, and formal writing. While phrases like "total lack of" or "utter absence of" serve as strong alternatives, understanding the specific nuance you aim to convey is crucial for accurate and impactful communication. Be mindful of overstating a lack, and consider your audience to determine whether more nuanced phrases are better suited. Avoiding misinterpretations will also prevent misuse of "complete absence of" as a mere subjective evaluation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

total lack of

Emphasizes the utter deficiency or unavailability of something.

utter absence of

Highlights the thorough and absolute non-existence of something.

entire absence of

Stresses the wholeness and completeness of the lack.

complete lack of any

Adds 'any' to further emphasize the absence of even the smallest amount.

total negation of

Focuses on the complete denial or invalidation of something.

non-existence of

Directly states that something does not exist.

thorough lack of

Emphasizes the comprehensiveness of the lack.

entire void of

Suggests a complete emptiness or lack within a specific space or context.

virtual absence of

Implies that something is almost entirely absent, though not necessarily completely.

near total absence of

Indicates that something is almost entirely missing, highlighting the near-completeness of the lack.

FAQs

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

You can use "complete absence of" to emphasize that something is entirely lacking. For example, "The investigation revealed a complete absence of evidence" or "There was a complete absence of emotion in his voice."

What are some alternatives to "complete absence of"?

Alternatives include "total lack of", "utter absence of", or "entire absence of", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "complete absence of" or "total lack of"?

"Complete absence of" and "total lack of" are generally interchangeable in terms of formality. The choice often depends on stylistic preference and the surrounding words.

Can "complete absence of" be used in scientific writing?

Yes, "complete absence of" is appropriate for scientific writing when describing the non-existence of a substance, condition, or phenomenon. For instance, "The experiment resulted in a complete absence of the expected reaction."