it lacks foundation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it lacks foundation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is not based on solid evidence or reasoning, often in arguments or claims. Example: "The argument presented in the debate is weak because it lacks foundation and does not provide sufficient evidence to support its claims."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr Hoare, 68, says: "When we bought our house in 1983 we were aware it had subsidence and, following an engineering report, we had the necessary underpinning carried out as we found it lacked foundations.

The Guardian - Money

"That theory lacks foundation in applicable law," it said.

The Washington Post

At the same time, cold recycling, or re-manufacturing, of sheet metals is an emerging area studied mostly empirically; in its current form, it lacks theoretical foundation.

International Journal of Mechanical Sciences

This means it lacks a foundation in the power of either the market or the state.

The Economist

"The newly-discovered evidence is not of such a nature that it weakens the state's case against Mr Maharaj so as to give rise to reasonable doubt," he said".The court fully weighed the evidence and concluded it lacks any foundation that would possibly .

Vice

It lacks the foundations for democracy.

The Economist

Intravital holds considerable promise as a research tool but, like gastric tonometry, its universal application appears to lack foundation, for the present at least.

Critical Care

Letters are welcome via e-mail to [email protected] tradingSIR – It is deeply concerning that you would publish a report that is so lacking foundation and filled with innuendo.

The Economist

But while the business model is scalable, it lacks a strong foundation from which to confidently invest in its growth.

Forbes

The charges lacked foundation, and the House of Lords refused to accept them; but by November, under threat of trial by a special court, Clarendon was forced to flee.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I accept that there are valid criticisms of my conduct in this matter but for the second time in a week, I seem to be the subject of serious allegations which lack foundation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it lacks foundation", ensure you clearly identify what specifically lacks the foundation. Providing context enhances clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "it lacks foundation" without specifying what "it" refers to. Ensure the subject is clear to prevent ambiguity and misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it lacks foundation" functions as a statement indicating a deficiency or absence of necessary support, evidence, or justification. The subject "it" refers to something that is being assessed as being without a solid base or underpinning.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it lacks foundation" is used to express that something is missing a solid base, support or evidence, as determined by Ludwig AI. While grammatically correct, it requires clear context to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases include "it is without basis" and "it is unfounded". When employing this phrase, it's essential to specify what exactly lacks foundation to enhance clarity and impact. Though no examples were found from the analyzed dataset, "it lacks foundation" remains a useful phrase for expressing criticism or doubt when assessing the validity of claims or arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is without basis

Emphasizes the absence of any factual or logical support.

it is unfounded

Highlights the lack of a solid basis or justification.

it is groundless

Suggests a complete absence of legitimate reasons or evidence.

it has no merit

Focuses on the lack of value or worthiness.

it is unsubstantiated

Emphasizes that claims or assertions have not been proven or verified.

it doesn't hold water

An idiom implying that something is not believable or logical.

it is built on sand

Implies a fragile or unstable base.

it's a house of cards

Suggests a structure or argument that is easily collapsed or disproven.

it doesn't stand up to scrutiny

Highlights the inability to withstand close examination or criticism.

it's a baseless claim

Stresses that there is no reason to accept the claim.

FAQs

How can I use "it lacks foundation" in a sentence?

You can use "it lacks foundation" to argue that something is not based on solid evidence or reasoning. For instance, "The argument presented in the debate is weak because "it lacks foundation" and does not provide sufficient evidence to support its claims."

What can I say instead of "it lacks foundation"?

You can use alternatives like "it is unfounded", "it is without basis", or "it is groundless" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it lacks foundation" or "it lacks a foundation"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "it lacks foundation" is generally used when referring to an overall lack of support or evidence, while "it lacks a foundation" might be used when referring to a specific, missing element.

What's the difference between "it lacks foundation" and "it is unsubstantiated"?

"It lacks foundation" suggests a more fundamental absence of supporting elements, while "it is unsubstantiated" focuses on the absence of proof or verification for a specific claim.