is sorely lacking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is sorely lacking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize how much something is lacking. For example: "In this region, adequate healthcare is sorely lacking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Residential housing is sorely lacking.

The New York Times

Justice is sorely lacking in the south.

The Economist

The yay/boo binary is sorely lacking.

The Guardian - Music

It's a trait that is sorely lacking at the moment.

Harvard Business Review

Yet enthusiasm for children's work is sorely lacking.

The Guardian

Yet real progress on dealing with it is sorely lacking.

The Guardian

Those present agreed that effective collaboration among departments is sorely lacking.

Harvard University

But getting there will require a commitment from the federal government that currently is sorely lacking.

Yale University

Conversely, is it something the world is sorely lacking at the moment?

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Cybersecurity talent is more needed than ever, but the pipeline to fill these jobs is sorely lacking.

University of California, Berkeley

Research into the effects of long-term exposure to ENMs also is sorely lacking, he and other experts say.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is sorely lacking" to add emphasis when describing a significant absence or deficiency. It's stronger than saying something is merely "lacking".

Common error

While effective for emphasis, avoid using "is sorely lacking" excessively in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "missing" or "needed" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

Is sorely lacking functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, emphasizing the deficiency or absence of something. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, with numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is sorely lacking" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to express a significant deficiency or absence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a predicative adjective phrase, adding emphasis to the inadequacy of something. While suitable for formal and professional contexts, overuse in informal settings should be avoided. Consider alternatives like "is severely deficient" or "is critically absent" for varied expression. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, academic, and scientific sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is severely deficient

Emphasizes a strong lack or inadequacy.

is critically absent

Highlights the crucial need for something that is missing.

is markedly inadequate

Points out a noticeable and insufficient quality.

is conspicuously wanting

Indicates that something is clearly missing or needed.

is notably insufficient

Suggests a lack that is worthy of attention.

is palpably deficient

Emphasizes that the lack is obvious and easily perceived.

is acutely short

Highlights a sharp or intense shortage.

is conspicuously absent

Something important is obviously missing.

is significantly wanting

Highlights a substantial deficit.

is woefully inadequate

Emphasizes a great deficiency or inadequacy.

FAQs

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

Use "is sorely lacking" to emphasize a significant deficiency. For example, "The city's infrastructure "is sorely lacking", hindering economic growth".

What are some alternatives to "is sorely lacking"?

You can use alternatives such as "is severely deficient", "is critically absent", or "is markedly inadequate" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "is sorely lacking"?

It is appropriate to use "is sorely lacking" in situations where you want to strongly emphasize that something is missing or inadequate, particularly in formal or professional contexts.

What is the difference between "is lacking" and "is sorely lacking"?

"Is lacking" simply indicates that something is missing. "Is sorely lacking" adds emphasis, suggesting that the absence is significant and detrimental.