it is lacking in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is lacking in" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is deficient or missing a particular quality or element. Example: "The report is lacking in detailed analysis, which is crucial for understanding the findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

The problem is that the younger generation hasn't lived through poverty, collectivism; it is lacking in restraint, its references are very few, the experience is so limited".

The New York Times - Magazine

Anything slightly critical of China appears in foreign media, and the nationalists are swarming online, attacking it....The problem is that the younger generation hasn't lived through poverty, collectivism; it is lacking in restraint, its references are very few, the experience is so limited...

The New Yorker

Much religion is "really dangerous and lethal," the Bishop of London has warned, although he claims that the Church's biggest problem is not its attitude to gays and women but that it is "lacking in distinction".

Independent

It is lacking in balance.

The Guardian

Fear is not lacking in drama, but it is lacking in action.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It celebrates a vital principle, but it is lacking in rites and ritual.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

The black church is lacking in its male attendance, and it's lacking in its community concern.

Huffington Post

And, to Amazon's credit, the company also has solid media offerings through its own channels, even while it's lacking in the hardware department.

TechCrunch

Except for the fiery peppers, it was lacking in flavor.

The New York Times

"It's become so gentrified that it's lacking in soul".

The Guardian

It wasn't merely too small: it was lacking in innovative features.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is lacking in", ensure that the sentence clearly specifies what is missing or deficient. For example, instead of just saying "The project is lacking", specify "The project is lacking in detailed planning."

Common error

Avoid using "it is lacking in" without specifying what aspect is deficient. Vague statements can confuse the reader. Instead, clarify by adding specific details: "The argument is lacking in empirical evidence."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is lacking in" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject's deficiency in a specific attribute. Ludwig's examples show its usage in various contexts to point out what is missing or inadequate.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is lacking in" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a deficiency or absence of a particular quality. As Ludwig highlights, it's commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts, serving to critique or assess something by pointing out its shortcomings. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, it's important to use the phrase precisely, specifying what exactly is missing to avoid vague statements. Alternatives like "it is deficient in" or "it is missing" can be used to vary your language while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is deficient in

Replaces "lacking" with "deficient", emphasizing the incompleteness.

it is missing

Uses a simpler term, "missing", to denote the absence of something.

it is devoid of

Emphasizes a complete absence, using "devoid of" for a stronger effect.

it is without

Offers a more straightforward expression of absence.

it does not have

Uses a more direct construction to indicate absence or deficiency.

it fails to provide

Shifts the focus to the failure of providing something, highlighting inadequacy.

it is short on

Suggests a shortage or insufficiency of something.

it wants for

Indicates a need or deficiency in a somewhat formal style.

it is sparse in

Highlights the scarcity or thinness of something.

it is thin on

Implies a lack of depth or substance.

FAQs

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

Use "it is lacking in" to express that something is deficient or missing a particular quality. For example, "The presentation "it is lacking in" visual aids" indicates the presentation would benefit from more visuals.

What are some alternatives to "it is lacking in"?

Alternatives include "it is deficient in", "it is missing", or "it is devoid of". Choose the alternative that best fits the context and the level of emphasis you want to convey. For example, "The analysis "it is deficient in" statistical rigor" conveys a more formal tone than "The analysis "it is missing" statistical rigor".

Is it better to say "it lacks" or "it is lacking in"?

"It lacks" is often more concise and direct. However, "it is lacking in" can be used for emphasis or when you want to elaborate on what is missing. The choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

What's the difference between "it is lacking in" and "it is devoid of"?

"It is lacking in" suggests something is missing, but not necessarily entirely absent. "It is devoid of" implies a complete absence. For example, "The essay "it is lacking in" creativity" suggests it could be more creative, while "The essay "it is devoid of" creativity" suggests it shows no creativity at all.