is totally lacking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is totally lacking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a complete absence of something, often in a critical context. Example: "The report is totally lacking in detail, making it difficult to understand the findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"That is totally lacking today".

The Economist

This synthesis of the past into something vital and necessary is totally lacking here.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This double bill from Birmingham Royal Ballet BRBB) is totally lacking in fury but you can't deny there's fire.

The Guardian

So complex analysis possesses a new ingredient, a kind of flexible geometry, that is totally lacking in real analysis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Wyeth is already recalling 50,000 to 90,000 cans of another formula, called Nursoy, that is totally lacking in vitamin B6.

The New York Times

(Topology, often characterized as "rubber sheet geometry," studies those properties of a shape that are unchanged if it is continuously deformed by being bent, stretched, and twisted but not torn). So complex analysis possesses a new ingredient, a kind of flexible geometry, that is totally lacking in real analysis.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The washing process can be totally lacking in dignity.

The Guardian

Few of us are totally lacking in anecdotal data.

The New Yorker

It looked very cool but was totally lacking in privacy.

The New York Times - Travel

"They are underrated and we are totally lacking in confidence with the bat.

The Guardian - Sport

"A person acts as if he were totally lacking in moral principle and unhampered by intelligence.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is totally lacking", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is missing and why its absence is significant. Be specific about the deficiency.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "is totally lacking" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "completely misses" or "doesn't have" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is totally lacking" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject by indicating a complete absence of a particular quality or attribute. Ludwig AI shows the phrase is often used in critical assessments to point out deficiencies.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is totally lacking" is a grammatically correct expression used to denote the complete absence of something. Ludwig AI’s analysis shows that it's often found in news articles, scientific literature, and encyclopedic entries, indicating a neutral to formal register. While effective for emphasizing deficiencies, simpler alternatives might be more suitable for informal contexts. The analysis of Ludwig showed that its effectiveness is in highlighting the absence of key elements in various contexts, from political relationships to scientific data. Remember to be specific about what exactly "is totally lacking" to ensure clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is completely absent

Emphasizes the absolute absence of something. It is slightly more formal.

is entirely missing

Highlights that something is not present at all. It's a direct and clear alternative.

is wholly devoid

Indicates a complete lack of something, often with a slightly stronger emphasis on emptiness.

is utterly without

Stresses the absence of something, often in a more emphatic or dramatic way.

is completely deficient

Focuses on the inadequacy or insufficiency of something. It's useful when something is not just absent but also needed.

is entirely wanting

Suggests that something is not present and also desired or needed. It can sound slightly old-fashioned.

is conspicuously absent

Highlights the noticeable absence of something, implying that its absence is unexpected or significant.

is notably missing

Similar to "conspicuously absent", but slightly less emphatic. It indicates that the absence is worth mentioning.

lacks completely

Inverts the structure while retaining the core meaning. The focus shifts to what is missing.

bears no trace of

Implies a complete absence and suggests that there is no evidence or indication of something's existence.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is totally lacking" is used to express the complete absence of something. For example: "The plan "is totally lacking" in detail" or "The team's performance "is totally lacking" in consistency".

What are some alternatives to "is totally lacking"?

You can use alternatives such as "is completely absent", "is entirely missing", or "is wholly devoid" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "is totally lacking" or "is completely lacking"?

Both ""is totally lacking"" and "is completely lacking" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

When should I use "is totally lacking" instead of a simpler phrase like "doesn't have"?

Use ""is totally lacking"" when you want to emphasize the complete absence of something, often in a critical or analytical context. In more informal situations, "doesn't have" may be more appropriate.