conspicuous lack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conspicuous lack" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a noticeable or striking absence of something. Example: Despite the abundance of desserts at the party, there was a conspicuous lack of fruit.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I noticed this because there was a conspicuous lack of fans anywhere else in the conspicuously not air conditioned apartment.

Columbia University

Why the conspicuous lack of scent?

The New Yorker

There is a conspicuous lack of chardonnay.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

There was also a conspicuous lack of leadership.

Columbia University

Torborg believes the conspicuous lack of glare has helped Castillo.

The New York Times - Sports

Conspicuous lack of alcohol... Dec. 31: Forget about it.

The New Yorker

However, there has been a conspicuous lack of calculations in complex two- and three-dimensional geometries.

Journal of Computational Physics

And until now, there has been a conspicuous lack of evidence to counter this argument.

Columbia University

One difference from today, he said, was a conspicuous lack of secrecy in these matters.

The New York Times - Science

This is, in other words, a story with a conspicuous lack of heroes.

The New York Times - Books

The chief hallmark of his playing was a conspicuous lack of schmaltz.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "conspicuous lack", ensure that the absence you're describing is indeed noticeable and unexpected, not just a general lack. This adds emphasis and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "conspicuous lack" when a simple 'lack' or 'absence' would suffice. "Conspicuous" implies that the absence is striking or noteworthy; using it for a regular absence weakens the impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conspicuous lack" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to describe a noticeable absence or deficiency. As Ludwig shows, it often serves to highlight something that is strikingly missing or deficient in a given context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "conspicuous lack" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote a noticeable absence. As verified by Ludwig, its purpose is to emphasize that something is strikingly missing. It is appropriate for neutral to formal contexts, especially in news, academic, and scientific writing. When employing "conspicuous lack", ensure the absence is indeed noteworthy, and consider alternatives like "noticeable absence" or "striking deficiency" for subtle differences in emphasis. Using the phrase correctly enhances the impact of your writing by drawing attention to significant omissions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

noticeable absence

Emphasizes the absence more directly, without necessarily highlighting its unexpectedness or oddity.

pronounced absence

Similar to 'noticeable absence' but highlights the degree of the absence

striking deficiency

Highlights the inadequacy or shortfall, often implying a negative consequence.

detectable deficiency

Highlights that a deficiency can be easily spotted. It is also a more technical way to refer to a shortage.

remarkable shortage

Focuses on the scarcity of something, suggesting it's unexpectedly low.

visible shortage

Similar to "remarkable shortage" but indicates the shortage is not only limited to a particular area.

glaring omission

Points out that something has been left out, and that the omission is very obvious.

obvious deficit

Indicates a clear and easily seen shortfall, particularly in measurable quantities.

evident void

Stresses the emptiness or gap, often in a more abstract or emotional sense.

palpable want

Emphasizes a clear and tangible need or desire that is unmet.

FAQs

How can I use "conspicuous lack" in a sentence?

You can use "conspicuous lack" to point out a noticeable absence of something. For example, "There was a "conspicuous lack" of enthusiasm at the meeting."

What's a good substitute for "conspicuous lack"?

Alternatives to "conspicuous lack" include "noticeable absence", "striking deficiency", or "remarkable shortage" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "conspicuous lack" or "obvious lack"?

"Conspicuous lack" and "obvious lack" are similar, but "conspicuous" suggests that the absence is more striking or unexpected than just "obvious".

What does "conspicuous lack" imply?

"Conspicuous lack" implies that something is notably missing, often to the point of being surprising or problematic. It emphasizes the unexpectedness or significance of the absence.