data is lacking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "data is lacking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that there is insufficient information or evidence available on a particular topic or subject. Example: "In our research, we found that data is lacking regarding the long-term effects of the new medication."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The data is lacking.

Independent

Machine-learning system finds patterns in materials "recipes," even when training data is lacking.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Whenever real-world data is lacking, generated data sets provide a substantive methodological tool for experiments.

European Journal of Operational Research

Comparison of BS and DS with long-term data is lacking.

Asian Journal of Surgery

The data is lacking, Dr. Bell said, because "in agriculture, industry has been reluctant to provide it, saying the information is proprietary".

The New York Times

Defense lawyers say that despite widespread use, independent, peer-reviewed scientific data is lacking on the device's reliability and the technology it uses to measure alcohol levels.

The New York Times - Health

An understanding of complications and quality assessment factors associated with CECDs from compiled data is lacking in published reports.

The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry

Models for correlations (among, e.g., element repair costs) are proposed that may be useful when empirical data is lacking.

Structural Safety

However, no satisfactory theoretical model has been constructed for this type of tunnel and experimental data is lacking.

Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology

(The global extent of malaria is guesswork because so much data is lacking or outdated, but the Oxford-Wellcome collaboration's work is widely admired. For example, to map poverty, they used satellite images showing light at night, indicating electricity).

The New York Times - Health

The internal organization of the taxation, military, and judicial departments must have been far more complex than in small states; but precise data is lacking.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "data is lacking", clearly specify what type of data is missing and the potential implications of its absence. This adds clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "data is lacking" without specifying the context. Instead of saying "data is lacking", specify "data on long-term effects is lacking" to provide a clearer and more precise statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "data is lacking" functions as an assertion indicating a deficiency of information. It highlights the absence or inadequacy of data in a specific context. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to point out the need for more information or research.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

24%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "data is lacking" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that points out the absence or insufficiency of information. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to identify gaps in knowledge, often appearing in scientific, academic, and news contexts. To enhance clarity, it's best to specify the exact type of data that's missing. Alternatives include "information is scarce" or "evidence is insufficient". While widely accepted, ensure you provide context to avoid overgeneralization when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

information is scarce

Emphasizes the limited availability of information.

evidence is insufficient

Highlights the inadequacy of evidence to support a claim.

information is unavailable

Indicates that the information cannot be accessed or obtained.

details are unknown

Focuses on the absence of specific details.

research is limited

Suggests that the amount of research conducted on the topic is not extensive.

figures are absent

Highlights the absence of numerical data.

statistics are missing

Indicates an absence of statistical data.

documentation is incomplete

Suggests that the existing documentation is not comprehensive.

records are unavailable

Indicates that records or data entries are not accessible.

findings are inconclusive

Suggests the available findings cannot provide definitive answers or results.

FAQs

What does it mean when I say "data is lacking"?

Saying that "data is lacking" means that there is not enough information available on a particular topic or subject, or that the available information is insufficient to draw reliable conclusions.

What can I say instead of "data is lacking"?

You can use alternatives like "information is scarce", "evidence is insufficient", or "information is unavailable" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "data is lacking"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "data is lacking". The phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is widely used in both formal and informal contexts.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "data is lacking"?

It's appropriate to use "data is lacking" when discussing research, reports, or any situation where you need to point out that there isn't enough data available to make a sound conclusion or decision.