entirely lacking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "entirely lacking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is completely absent or missing a particular quality or element. Example: "The report was entirely lacking in detail, making it difficult to understand the findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cost-benefit studies are almost entirely lacking.

The Economist

It forever repeated itself, and was entirely lacking in hope".

The Guardian - Books

His backstory appears almost entirely lacking in dirt.

The Guardian - Music

But Borrell's songs aren't entirely lacking in charm.

The Guardian - Music

"From West to East" is not entirely lacking in insight.

The New York Times - Books

Entirely lacking are the interruptions, contradictory statements or internal bickering that you'd expect between two brothers.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He was expelled from Peabody, he said, for being "incorrigible, untalented and entirely lacking in ear".

The New York Times - Arts

The band's usual exuberance is almost entirely lacking, with heads pointed at the floor.

The Guardian - Music

Entirely lacking is a vision for a Syria whole and free.

The Guardian - Opinion

They were also almost entirely lacking T cells in other tissues in the body.

Nature

Their structure is much simplified, and a rachis may be entirely lacking.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "entirely lacking", ensure the context clearly indicates what is missing. For example, "The proposal was entirely lacking in specific details."

Common error

Avoid using "entirely lacking" when something is merely insufficient, not completely absent. For example, instead of saying "The effort was entirely lacking", consider "The effort was insufficient."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "entirely lacking" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It indicates a complete absence or deficiency of a particular quality or element. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is suitable for use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "entirely lacking" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express the complete absence of something. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is commonly used across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias, as detailed by Ludwig. When using this phrase, ensure that the absence is complete, and consider alternatives such as "completely devoid" or "totally lacking" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolutely lacking

Emphasizes the complete absence of something, similar to "entirely lacking" but with a slightly stronger tone.

totally lacking

Indicates a complete absence, mirroring the meaning of "entirely lacking" with a different adverb.

wholly lacking

Synonymous with "entirely lacking", suggesting a complete and utter absence.

utterly lacking

Similar to "entirely lacking", but may convey a sense of surprise or disappointment at the absence.

completely devoid

Expresses the absence of something by stating that something else is empty or without it.

fully lacking

A direct synonym for "entirely lacking", denoting the complete absence of a quality or element.

entirely deficient

Focuses on the inadequacy or incompleteness due to the absence of something.

entirely inadequate

Highlights the insufficiency of something because a key element is missing.

entirely absent

Emphasizes the complete absence of something, differing slightly in tone from "entirely lacking".

sorely lacking

Highlights the negative consequences or the felt need of the absence, where "entirely lacking" is more neutral.

FAQs

How can I use "entirely lacking" in a sentence?

Use "entirely lacking" to emphasize the complete absence of something. For instance, "The performance was "entirely lacking" in originality."

What are some alternatives to "entirely lacking"?

You can use alternatives like "completely devoid", "totally lacking", or "utterly lacking" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "almost entirely lacking"?

Yes, "almost entirely lacking" is a valid phrase. It suggests that something is nearly completely absent, but there might be a very small trace or element present.

What is the difference between "entirely lacking" and "insufficient"?

"Entirely lacking" means completely absent, while "insufficient" means not enough. If something is ""entirely lacking"", it doesn't exist at all. If it's insufficient, it exists but is not adequate.