gross lack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gross lack" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant deficiency or absence of something, often in a critical context. Example: "The report highlighted a gross lack of transparency in the company's financial practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

"It's just a serious, gross lack of tact," Braden said.

The New York Times - Sports

I recently canceled my cable service because of the gross lack of quality in network programming.

The New York Times

That betrays either astonishing cynicism or a gross lack of insight.

The Guardian

"Most disturbing to the courts is the gross lack of responsibility shown by this defendant," he said.

The New York Times

He had employed numerous actors, Mr. Cronyn wrote, "but with a gross lack of familial feeling and a marvelous evasiveness, he has always managed to avoid employing me".

The New York Times - Arts

These same proponents would undoubtedly consider it a gross lack of planning to build an airport whose only vehicular access was a narrow residential road.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

J. R. Tozer: Crafty Bilko, he's in with the men (anag).. Mrs A. M. Walden: A bit gross, lacking a touch of urbanity?

The Guardian

Poor pay practices (57 percent), including (but not limited to) such practices as: special awards (particularly when performance was poor); targeting executive pay at the 75th percentile; a poor choice of performance measures; tax gross-ups; lack of clawbacks; and excessive termination awards.

Harvard Business Review

To understand the role of OXPHOS in determining sensitivity to etoposide and other anticancer agents, we used cells lacking complex-I, complex-II, and mitochondrial protein synthesis (gross OXPHOS deficiency due to lack of mtDNA-encoded subunits of complexes-I, -III, -IV, and -V) and measured caspase activation after treatment with anticancer agents.

Cell Death and Disease

Mr Maher, who hosts Real Time with Bill Maher on US television channel HBO, said the $90m grossing film lacked the subtlety of the 2008 film Hurt Locker.

Independent

In the opening paragraph the author describes her gross disrespect and lack of tact with the patient, and then advocates making up false niceties to remedy the situation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gross lack", ensure the context clearly indicates a significant and unacceptable deficiency. This phrase is most impactful when describing failures in areas where a certain standard is expected.

Common error

Avoid using "gross lack" to describe minor inconveniences or everyday shortcomings. Its strength lies in highlighting substantial failures or deficiencies, not trivial matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gross lack" functions as a noun phrase modifier, where "gross" intensifies the noun "lack". It typically describes a significant deficiency or absence of something. Ludwig examples show it commonly precedes nouns like "responsibility", "insight", and "competence".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gross lack" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a significant deficiency or absence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is most frequently used in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, indicating its suitability for formal and serious discussions. When using this phrase, it's important to reserve it for situations where the deficiency is truly significant, avoiding overuse in trivial contexts. Alternatives like "severe deficiency" or "significant absence" can be considered depending on the desired nuance. Remember that using "gross lack" stresses the seriousness and unacceptability of what's missing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe deficiency

Emphasizes the intensity or seriousness of the lack.

significant absence

Highlights the importance or noteworthiness of what is missing.

considerable shortage

Focuses on the insufficient quantity of something.

marked deficit

Implies a quantifiable shortfall or inadequacy.

glaring omission

Points out an obvious or conspicuous thing that has been left out.

substantial inadequacy

Stresses the insufficient or unsuitable nature of something.

major failing

Highlights a significant fault or defect.

utter destitution

Emphasizes a complete lack or absence of something, often necessities.

extreme scarcity

Indicates a very limited supply or availability.

complete void

Suggests an emptiness or absence of something essential.

FAQs

How can I use "gross lack" in a sentence?

The phrase "gross lack" is typically followed by a noun, indicating what is deficient. For example, "The investigation revealed a gross lack of oversight" or "There was a gross lack of preparedness for the emergency".

What's a good alternative to "gross lack" that still conveys severity?

If you want to emphasize the severity of the absence, consider alternatives like "severe deficiency" or "significant absence". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "gross lack" in formal writing?

Yes, "gross lack" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing serious failures, deficiencies, or oversights. Its use implies a significant and unacceptable level of inadequacy.

What is the difference between "gross lack" and "lack of"?

"Gross lack" implies a more severe or significant deficiency than simply a "lack of". Using "gross" emphasizes the seriousness and unacceptability of the absence, whereas "lack of" can refer to any degree of deficiency.