even lacking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "even lacking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is absent or missing, often in a context where one might expect it to be present. Example: "The project was successful, even lacking the necessary funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Even lacking those details, though, this show is a little treasure.

The New York Times

Even lacking the world significance of Ali, it would be a great image.

The New Yorker

As a result, the village today looks much as it has for decades, even lacking modern streetlights or road signs.

The New York Times

LOUIS Even lacking evidence that would stand up in a court of law, you need not employ someone you reasonably believe is stealing.

The New York Times - Magazine

Even lacking the Iberian pork, Palacios chorizo, either sweet or hot, is far superior to American brands like Conte's, which is springy and mild, and to the firm, sweet Quijote, which is quite good but markedly different.

The New York Times - Food

On the basis of this novel, it could be argued that Tolstoy rejects female experience as domestic, limited, even lacking in spiritual insight, because the one woman who attempts to transgress these boundaries ends up committing suicide.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

It even lacks enough diplomats.

The New York Times

The board even lacks a nominating committee.

The New York Times

Many of them even lack popular legitimacy.

The Guardian - Opinion

They even lack the consolation of memory.

The Guardian

They lacked foresight; now they even lack hindsight.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "even lacking" to concede a potential deficiency while still emphasizing a positive outcome or characteristic. This adds nuance to your writing and demonstrates a balanced perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "even lacking" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, alternatives like "despite the absence of" may sound more sophisticated and appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even lacking" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a clause. It introduces a concession, indicating that something is true or possible despite the absence of a particular element. Ludwig examples show varied contexts, from everyday situations to formal writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "even lacking" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to concede a deficiency while highlighting a positive aspect. With a neutral register, as indicated by Ludwig AI, it is commonly found in diverse contexts such as news, science, and general writing. While perfectly acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "despite the absence of" in highly academic contexts. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use, showcasing its utility in emphasizing resilience or capability despite apparent shortcomings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking

A shorter, more direct way to say "even lacking".

even without

Focuses on the absence of something, implying that it's not needed.

despite the absence of

Highlights the absence as a factor that doesn't prevent something else.

although missing

Emphasizes the missing aspect, but the main point remains valid.

while missing

Highlights the element that is missing.

notwithstanding the lack of

A more formal way to express "even lacking", emphasizing the lack.

despite the deficiency in

Similar to "notwithstanding", but less formal.

even if deficient in

Highlights a deficiency but suggests it's not a critical issue.

in the absence of

Indicates something happens because something else is not present.

even though devoid of

Stronger emphasis on emptiness or complete absence.

FAQs

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

The phrase "even lacking" is used to show that something is still true or possible despite the absence of something else. Example: "The plan succeeded, "even lacking" sufficient resources."

What is a simple substitute for "even lacking"?

A simpler substitute for "even lacking" is "even without". For example, "The device functions "even without" a battery."

Is it more formal to say "even lacking" or "despite lacking"?

"Despite lacking" is often perceived as slightly more formal than "even lacking". Both are acceptable, but context dictates the most appropriate choice.

What's the difference between "even lacking" and "although lacking"?

"Even lacking" emphasizes that something is surprising or unexpected given the absence, while "although lacking" simply acknowledges the absence as a condition. The level of emphasis is different.