in lack of

USAGE SUMMARY

Of its use The phrase "in lack of" is indeed grammatically correct in written English.
It is used when you want to express the idea that something is not present or is absent. For example: "The conference was unsuccessful due to in lack of attendance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Poverty, in other words, is embodied in lack of print as well as in lack of food.

The New Yorker

What the nominees pack in in technique they make up for in lack of imagination.

The New Yorker

Its fault lay not in insufficient subdivision but in lack of damage stability.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Too often there is a gap between strategy and reality that results in lack of real change at grassroots level.

The Guardian

All companions of honour should be forced to take a Lasdun test in lack of pomposity and openness of mind.

The Guardian

"But," he said, "he is on to something very genuine: Japan's frustration in lack of leadership and political inertia".

The New York Times

But the most distressing thing is to consider how this adult revelling in lack of empathy might be affecting our children.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Different messages can understandably cause the victim some distress or confusion, and result in lack of confidence in the criminal justice system.

The Guardian

I realized that my own way was in impoverishment, in lack of knowledge and in taking away, in subtracting rather than adding.

The New Yorker

While some heads might attribute limited TA support and training to a lack of time and funds, I'd add in lack of accurate prioritisation.

The Guardian

He first discovered that not everyone shared his taste in lack of clothes when, in 2004, he co-wrote a book about naked yoga with his wife.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While grammatically correct, consider using more common alternatives like "without" or "lacking" for clearer and more concise writing.

Common error

Avoid using "in lack of" in informal contexts. Opt for simpler phrasing unless aiming for a deliberately formal or technical tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in lack of" functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating a state of deficiency or absence. It modifies a noun or verb by specifying what is missing or not available, similar to examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in lack of" is grammatically sound and frequently encountered across diverse writing contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, highlighting its use to denote deficiency or absence. While acceptable, consider using alternatives like "without" or "lacking" for improved clarity and conciseness, especially in informal settings. Remember that although grammatically correct, the phrase can sound overly formal in certain contexts. Usage is most prevalent in scientific and news-related domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the absence of

Focuses on the condition of something not being present.

without

A more concise and common way to express the absence of something.

lacking

Adjectival form indicating a deficiency.

deficient in

Highlights a specific shortage or inadequacy.

devoid of

Emphasizes a complete absence of something.

in the deficiency of

Slightly more formal, emphasizing a shortfall.

in the scarcity of

Highlights rarity or limited availability.

bereft of

Suggests a loss or deprivation.

short on

Informal way to express a shortage.

missing

Simple term for something not present or available.

FAQs

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

You can use "in lack of" to indicate the absence of something. For example: "The project failed "in lack of" proper funding."

What are some alternatives to "in lack of"?

You can use alternatives like "in the absence of", "without", or "lacking" depending on the context.

Is "in lack of" formal or informal?

"In lack of" leans towards the formal side. In everyday conversation, phrases like "without" or "missing" are more common.

When should I use "in lack of" instead of "lacking"?

While both indicate absence, "in lack of" is a prepositional phrase, while "lacking" is a verb form. You might choose "in lack of" when constructing a longer, more formal sentence, but "lacking" is often more concise.