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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
extremely lacking
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "extremely lacking" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective used to describe a situation, often a situation where something is in short supply. For example: "Their research team was extremely lacking in experience."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Alternative expressions(20)
woefully inadequate
in dire straits
in dramatic need
badly lacking
in real need
in deep need
severely deficient
significantly lacking
cruelly lacking
in grave jeopardy
badly needs
strongly lacking
in substantial need
desperately required
in grave danger
in desperate need
in greater need
in grave doubt
substantially reduced
in grave need of
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
6 human-written examples
"Based upon the events that transpired," the report said, "his ability to effectively supervise personnel performing duties on the right of way was extremely lacking".
News & Media
However, due to limitation of sample size, reports on the macro properties of fabricated ceramic structures are still extremely lacking.
Science
Because we are extremely lacking in epidemiological data on human exposure and health effects of nanomaterials at present, it is probably meaningful to elucidate this question for preventive sanitary control and health supervision during the creation and production of nanomaterials with special parameters.
Science
The forms at the facilities are extremely lacking," said Talia Inlender, a senior staff attorney at pro bono law firm Public Counsel and co-counsel on the Franco case.
News & Media
However, experience with fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in the treatment of sepsis and knowledge of the underlying mechanisms are extremely lacking.
Science
If you prefer a game where the objectives end totally or result in an extremely lacking 'free' mode, think about how dull the game will be then.
Wiki
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
54 human-written examples
He added "it wasn't the funniest episode, but the way the parallel stories worked and intertwined was at least extremely interesting, lacking much of the lazy humor that at times plagued this season.
Wiki
Service, while extremely friendly, lacks the knowledgeable confidence you expect in a really good restaurant.
News & Media
"Obviously playing at the elite level of any sport is hard at the best of times but, having not played for 17 months, she's going to be extremely rusty, probably lacking confidence in movement, body.
News & Media
Lord Alex Carlilele, a long-term Amnesty supporter who for more than nine years was Britain's Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation, said the organisation had been "extremely unwise and lacking in critical faculty" by associating itself with Cage, whose reputation had been "damaged beyond repair".
News & Media
"This really looks extremely callous and lacking in all forms of compassion," Mr Gillespie told ABC radio.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "extremely lacking", ensure that the context clearly defines what is being lacked and why it is significant. This enhances clarity and impact.
Common error
Avoid using "extremely lacking" in casual conversations or informal writing. It is better suited for formal reports, academic papers, or professional communications where a serious deficiency needs to be emphasized.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "extremely lacking" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically describing a noun by indicating a severe deficiency. As Ludwig AI explains, it highlights the absence of something crucial. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing deficiencies in skills, data, and resources.
Frequent in
News & Media
33%
Science
50%
Wiki
17%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "extremely lacking" is a grammatically sound and useful way to describe a significant deficiency or absence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys a serious shortfall in various contexts, most commonly in scientific and news-related domains. To enhance clarity, always specify what is being lacked. While the phrase is appropriate for formal writing, avoid overuse in casual settings where simpler alternatives might suffice. Remember to choose the alternatives "severely deficient" or "woefully inadequate" based on the desired degree of formality.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
severely deficient
Emphasizes the intensity of the deficiency; similar in formality but slightly stronger.
woefully inadequate
Highlights the inadequacy in a regretful or lamentable way; slightly more emotive.
gravely insufficient
Stresses the seriousness of the insufficiency; more formal and emphatic.
markedly short
Focuses on the noticeable lack; less intense than "extremely lacking".
significantly wanting
Highlights the significant absence or need; slightly more formal.
badly wanting
Emphasizes a strong need that is unmet; similar in intensity but less formal.
decidedly absent
Stresses the clear absence of something; can be used in more varied contexts.
conspicuously missing
Highlights that the absence is easily noticeable; less formal and direct.
noticeably deficient
Indicates a deficiency that is easily observed; similar in tone to "markedly short".
substantially reduced
Focuses on the reduction in quantity or quality; less direct than "extremely lacking".
FAQs
How can I use "extremely lacking" in a sentence?
You can use "extremely lacking" to describe a significant deficiency or absence of something. For instance: "The project was "extremely lacking" in resources".
What are some alternatives to "extremely lacking"?
Alternatives include "severely deficient", "woefully inadequate", or "gravely insufficient", depending on the context and desired level of formality.
Is it better to say "extremely lacking" or "very lacking"?
"Extremely lacking" is generally preferred over "very lacking" as it emphasizes a more significant deficiency. "Extremely" adds a stronger degree of intensity.
When is it appropriate to use "extremely lacking" in writing?
It is appropriate to use "extremely lacking" in formal and professional contexts where you need to highlight a substantial absence or deficiency of something important.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested