grossly lacking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grossly lacking" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is severely lacking or deficient, to the point of being unacceptable or extreme. Example: The company's safety protocols were found to be grossly lacking, resulting in numerous accidents and injuries among employees.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"We know from our extensive work with young people that the support they so desperately need when they aren't coping is grossly lacking but we also know from services that they are under huge funding pressures and are overwhelmed with demand".

BBC

Information about distribution of Anopheles vectors and pattern of resistance to the major insecticides from Nigeria especially northern region is grossly lacking.

BMC Infectious Diseases

The accurate correlation of dose with late toxicity from patients with dose volume histogram (DVH) data and long follow-up is grossly lacking.

British Journal of Cancer

Similar results were obtained at a pilot study of an information, education and communication (IEC) campaign in Delhi, India, that found the knowledge of the people concerning tuberculosis and DOTS to be grossly lacking.

BMC Public Health

In addition, information on the cytopathogenicity of this newly discovered human cardiovirus is grossly lacking due to the poor ability of previous clinical isolates to productively infect in vitro cultured cells.

Emerging Microbes and Infections

Professionals like child psychiatrists, pedagogist, speech-language pathologists and special educators that can contribute to the multidisciplinary approach of managing childhood autism and other developmental disorders are often grossly lacking.

BMC Pediatrics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

For liver metastases and LACC the abdominal CT indeed is an adequate first-line imaging technique, however for PC it grossly lacks sensitivity.

BMC Cancer

Crime laboratories around the country are grossly underfunded, lack a scientific foundation and are compromised by critical delays in analyzing physical evidence, according to a broad study of forensic techniques published Wednesday by the National Academy of Sciences, the nation's premier scientific body.

The New York Times

It means "lacking distinction, ordinary" "Grossly normal", "essentially normal"—in what nonessential way is it not normal?

Insights into Imaging

There was little evidence that females lacking miRNAs exhibited grossly altered SP responses, such as SP-like phenotypes in the absence of SP. Instead, the results revealed a pattern of modulations to the strength of SP responses (Table 3).

Genetics

Given their grossly unfair lack of critical coverage (I have not seen a review of Civilisation anywhere) and their low starting profile with the disadvantage lack of kudos from back in the day, I really hope they keep at it.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "grossly lacking", ensure the context clearly indicates a severe deficiency, as the term carries a strong negative connotation. It is most effective when emphasizing a critical failure or unacceptable shortcoming.

Common error

Avoid using "grossly lacking" to describe minor or insignificant deficiencies. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the lack is extreme and has significant consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grossly lacking" functions as a descriptive expression, specifically an adjective phrase modified by an adverb. It serves to emphasize the severity of a deficiency. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is used to describe an extreme and unacceptable level of absence or inadequacy. Ludwig examples showcase this use in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grossly lacking" is a correct and usable English phrase employed to express a significant deficiency. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to emphasize the severity of an absence or inadequacy, as supported by various examples across science, news, and formal contexts. The phrase, while versatile, carries a relatively formal register, best suited for situations demanding emphasis on critical failures or unacceptable shortcomings. When considering alternatives, phrases like "seriously deficient" or "woefully inadequate" can provide similar emphasis with slight variations in connotation. Use "grossly lacking" judiciously to ensure the gravity of the situation is accurately conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seriously deficient

Emphasizes the severity of the lack, indicating a substantial shortcoming.

highly inadequate

Indicates a significant degree of insufficiency, focusing on the inadequacy.

woefully inadequate

Adds an element of lament or regret to the inadequacy, suggesting a regrettable deficiency.

critically insufficient

Emphasizes the importance of what is lacking, indicating that it is essential and severely deficient.

scandalously lacking

Emphasizes the unacceptability of the deficiency, adding a moral dimension.

manifestly deficient

Highlights the obviousness of the deficiency, making it clear and apparent.

patently insufficient

Stresses the obvious insufficiency, making it undeniable.

glaringly absent

Highlights the obvious absence, making it impossible to ignore.

severely wanting

Underlines the intensity of the deficiency, emphasizing that something is greatly needed but lacking.

sorely missed

Suggests that the absence is causing distress or hardship because it's really important.

FAQs

How to use "grossly lacking" in a sentence?

Use "grossly lacking" to describe something severely deficient. For example, "The safety measures were "grossly lacking", leading to several accidents".

What can I say instead of "grossly lacking"?

Alternatives include "seriously deficient", "woefully inadequate", or "scandalously lacking", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "grossly lacking" in formal writing?

Yes, "grossly lacking" can be used in formal writing when describing significant deficiencies, especially in contexts like reports or analyses, but consider your audience and the impact of such a strongly worded statement. Lighter options exist and could be more appropriate depending on the context.

What's the difference between "grossly lacking" and "lacking"?

"Lacking" simply means something is missing. "Grossly lacking" emphasizes the severity of the deficiency, indicating a significant and unacceptable shortage. You should choose your words depending on the real severity of the context. Is it important to highlight that the context is serious and concerning?