evidence is lacking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "evidence is lacking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation where there is insufficient proof or support for a claim or argument. Example: "In this case, the jury was instructed to consider the facts carefully, as evidence is lacking to support the defendant's alibi."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But here, too, the evidence is lacking.

The New Yorker

Cox believes such evidence is lacking.

The Guardian

"Empirical evidence is lacking," he said.

The New York Times

However, experimental evidence is lacking to date.

Nature

Everyone's heard about it, but the evidence is lacking.

The New York Times

Evidence is lacking, but there is no harm in imagining.

The New Yorker

Hard evidence is lacking, however, about the efficacy of supplements in average-risk patients with CTS.

Columbia University

Although overlapping surgeries are deemed generally safe, critics have suggested definitive evidence is lacking.

Harvard University

Although detailed evidence is lacking, civil servants seem to move around at least as rapidly.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some practitioners think testosterone can help with lowered libido in women, although evidence is lacking.

The Guardian

Locals say the grottoes once belonged to Pontius Pilate, though strong evidence is lacking.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "evidence is lacking", clearly state what specific evidence is needed or expected to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "evidence is lacking" as an absolute dismissal. Instead, acknowledge the possibility of future evidence or alternative interpretations. For example, instead of saying "The research is useless because evidence is lacking", say "While current research is inconclusive because "evidence is scarce", future studies could yield different results".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "evidence is lacking" functions as an evaluative statement. It serves to express that the available evidence is insufficient or inadequate to support a particular claim or assertion. Ludwig shows multiple examples in academic, news, and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "evidence is lacking" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that there is insufficient proof or support for a claim. According to Ludwig, the phrase is widely used across various contexts, including academia, news, and science. While versatile, it's crucial to use this phrase objectively and specify the evidence that is needed. Related phrases include "proof is absent" and "evidence is insufficient", each carrying slightly different nuances. A frequent mistake is using the phrase as an absolute dismissal, when acknowledgment of future evidence would be more balanced. By understanding the contexts and potential alternatives, you can effectively use "evidence is lacking" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proof is absent

Focuses on the complete absence of proof, emphasizing a stronger lack of support.

evidence is absent

Highlights the total absence of evidence, similar to "proof is absent".

proof is wanting

Uses "wanting" to describe the lack of proof, suggesting a deficiency.

evidence is wanting

Replaces "lacking" with "wanting" to indicate a deficiency in evidence.

proof is insufficient

Emphasizes that the available proof is not adequate or enough.

evidence is insufficient

Highlights that the existing evidence is not enough to support a claim.

data is lacking

Specifically refers to the absence of data, which could serve as evidence.

documentation is lacking

Points out the absence of proper documentation, which can serve as evidence.

support is lacking

Indicates a general absence of support, which can be in the form of evidence or proof.

grounds are lacking

Refers to the absence of a solid foundation or justification.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "evidence is lacking" in a formal context?

In a formal setting, you could use phrases such as "evidence is insufficient", "data is unavailable", or "support is limited" to convey the same meaning with greater precision.

What does it mean when someone says "evidence is lacking"?

When someone says "evidence is lacking", it means there isn't enough proof or supporting information to validate a claim or assertion. It suggests that more research or data is needed to reach a definitive conclusion.

Is "evidence is lacking" the same as "there is no evidence"?

While similar, "evidence is lacking" implies that some evidence may exist, but it's not substantial or conclusive enough. "There is no evidence" suggests a complete absence of any supporting information, which is a stronger statement.

Can "evidence is lacking" be used in scientific writing?

Yes, "evidence is lacking" is suitable for scientific writing when pointing out gaps in research or areas where further investigation is needed. It's important to use it objectively and without overstating the conclusion.