entirely lacking in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "entirely lacking in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is completely devoid of a particular quality or element. Example: "The report was entirely lacking in relevant data, making it difficult to draw any conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

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

The New York Times - Arts

Siri's charismatic quality is entirely lacking in other natural-language interfaces.

MIT Technology Review

Trevithick, a quick-tempered and impulsive man, was entirely lacking in business sense.

Britannica

Which is not to say that "The Exploding Girl" is entirely lacking in energy or affect.

The New York Times

"There's something entirely lacking in us, W. says, although he's not quite sure what it is.

The New York Times - Books

She is entirely lacking in the oddball characteristics of David Blaine or the slick trickster quality of Derren Brown.

The Guardian

It's a good-natured evening, but one entirely lacking in a radical edge or sense of comic danger.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "entirely lacking in" to express a complete absence of a specific quality or element. It's effective when you want to emphasize that something is completely devoid of a particular attribute. For example: "The argument was entirely lacking in factual evidence."

Common error

While grammatically sound, "entirely lacking in" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "completely without" or "totally missing" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "entirely lacking in" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. It indicates a complete absence of a particular quality or attribute. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct and usable expression in written English. Examples from Ludwig show it describing deficiencies in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Books

6%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "entirely lacking in" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote a complete absence of something. As Ludwig AI highlights, its versatility makes it suitable for various contexts, primarily in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. While it is generally acceptable, it's advisable to consider simpler alternatives in informal settings. Its function is to emphasize deficiencies and criticisms, reinforcing its place as a valuable tool for precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely devoid of

Emphasizes the absence of something to the point of being empty or null.

totally absent of

Highlights a complete absence or non-existence of something.

entirely without

Indicates the absence of something, focusing on not possessing it at all.

completely missing

Directly states that something is not present or available.

devoid of any

Stresses the non-existence of even a trace of something.

entirely free from

Implies an absence, often with a positive connotation of being unburdened.

totally bereft of

Suggests a more profound loss or absence, often emotional or abstract.

wholly wanting in

Uses a more formal tone to indicate a deficiency or lack.

utterly deficient in

Emphasizes a significant inadequacy or lack of something essential.

shows no trace of

Indicates a complete absence of evidence or indication of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "entirely lacking in" to indicate a complete absence of something. For example: "The performance was "entirely lacking in" originality."

What are some alternatives to "entirely lacking in"?

Some alternatives include "completely devoid of", "totally absent of", or "entirely without", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "lacking in" or "entirely lacking in"?

"Entirely lacking in" emphasizes a complete absence, while "lacking in" simply indicates a deficiency. The choice depends on how strongly you want to express the absence.

What's the difference between "entirely lacking in" and "devoid of"?

While both phrases indicate a complete absence, "devoid of" often carries a stronger connotation of emptiness or barrenness than "entirely lacking in".