is lacking

USAGE SUMMARY

"is lacking" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You use it to indicate that something is not present or absent. For example, "The room is lacking proper ventilation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"His integrity is lacking.

The New York Times

The data is lacking.

Independent

My cobbler is lacking.

The New York Times

"Consistency is lacking.

The New York Times

The identity is lacking.

The Guardian - Sport

What is lacking?

The New York Times

Context is lacking.

The New York Times

Public transport is lacking.

The Guardian

Obama is lacking these things.

The New York Times

It is lacking in balance.

The Guardian

"Decisiveness is lacking," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is lacking", ensure the subject and what it lacks are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The project is lacking", specify "The project is lacking clear objectives".

Common error

Avoid using "is lacking" without a clear subject. For instance, saying "Integrity is lacking" is less effective than "His integrity "is lacking"", which directly attributes the lack to a person.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is lacking" functions as a verb phrase indicating the absence or deficiency of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous contexts, as seen in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is lacking" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate that something is missing or deficient. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across diverse contexts, from news reports and scientific articles to business communications. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to ensure clarity by specifying both the subject and the missing element. Alternatives like "is absent" or "is deficient" can be used for nuanced expression. Remember to avoid vague statements by clearly defining what "is lacking" to enhance communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is absent

Emphasizes the complete absence of something, often implying a critical need or expectation is not met.

is deficient

Highlights a quantitative or qualitative shortage, suggesting something falls below an acceptable standard.

is missing

Indicates that something is not where it should be, or is needed but not present.

is in short supply

Focuses on the limited availability of something, often due to scarcity or high demand.

is wanting

Suggests a lack of a specific quality or attribute that is desired or needed.

falls short

Implies that something does not reach the required level or expectation.

does not exist

States plainly that something is not present or available.

is not available

Indicates that something cannot be accessed or obtained.

is conspicuous by its absence

Emphasizes the noticeable lack of something, often implying its importance or expected presence.

leaves something to be desired

Indicates that something is not entirely satisfactory and could be improved.

FAQs

How can I use "is lacking" in a sentence?

Use "is lacking" to indicate that something is missing or deficient. For example, "The evidence "is lacking" in this case", or "The team "is lacking" experience".

What are some alternatives to "is lacking"?

You can use phrases like "is missing", "is deficient", or "is absent" as alternatives to "is lacking", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "lacking is" instead of "is lacking"?

No, the correct grammatical structure is "is lacking". "Lacking is" is not a standard or grammatically accepted phrase in English.

What's the difference between "is lacking" and "is missing"?

While both indicate absence, ""is lacking"" often implies a deficiency or something falling short of a standard, whereas "is missing" simply means something is not present or has been lost.