knowledge is lacking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "knowledge is lacking" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means that there is a lack or absence of knowledge about a certain topic or subject. Example: Despite their best efforts, the scientists were unable to make progress in their research because knowledge is lacking in the field of quantum mechanics.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The politicians who are determining what we do, their knowledge is lacking".

The Guardian - Arts

At CUNY senior colleges, we often see community college graduates and transfers with high averages, yet fundamental knowledge is lacking.

The New York Times

The same may be true of Isaac the Blind and the school of Gerona, but certain knowledge is lacking.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Oronyms result in not so much a mangling as an incorrect parsing of sounds when context or prior knowledge is lacking.

The New Yorker

The people, about whose attitudes adequate knowledge is lacking, are generally assumed to be taken up with their daily lives and to be in favour of peace.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It means only that direct knowledge is lacking.

SEP

Because of discerning knowledge is lacking, one cannot identify some objects based on the available information.

Complex & Intelligent Systems

No more, without supporting argument, does it mean that the best kind of knowledge is lacking.

SEP

First, consumer concern over security is gaining but knowledge is lacking.

Forbes

Knowledge is lacking about the learning environment in different clinical settings.

Nurse Education in Practice

Presently, knowledge is lacking regarding the dynamic mechanism and characteristics of soil infiltration during long-term natural vegetation restoration.

Journal of Hydrology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "knowledge is lacking", be specific about the area where knowledge is deficient to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "knowledge is lacking" without specifying the subject or field. Instead of saying "knowledge is lacking", specify what knowledge is missing for better clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "knowledge is lacking" functions as a statement indicating a deficiency or absence of understanding or information about a specific subject. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various academic, scientific, and general contexts, supporting its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

19%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "knowledge is lacking" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that highlights a deficiency in information or understanding. According to Ludwig, it is commonly found in scientific, news, and formal contexts. While the phrase is widely accepted, it's best practice to specify the area where knowledge is deficient to enhance clarity. Alternatives like "information is absent" or "understanding is deficient" can be used depending on the specific context. This phrase indicates the need for further investigation and is crucial for identifying gaps in various fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

information is absent

Replaces "knowledge" with "information" and "lacking" with "absent", indicating a complete absence of information.

understanding is deficient

Substitutes "knowledge" with "understanding" and "lacking" with "deficient", suggesting an incomplete or inadequate grasp.

there is a paucity of data

Employs more formal language, replacing "knowledge" with "data" and "lacking" with "paucity", to convey a scarcity of information.

data is scarce

Focuses on the limited availability of data, presenting a more concise version of the original phrase.

the facts are unknown

Shifts the emphasis to the unknown nature of the facts, indicating a lack of factual information.

awareness is limited

Highlights the restriction or deficiency in awareness, subtly changing the focus from general knowledge to specific awareness.

insight is wanting

Uses the word "insight" instead of "knowledge" and "wanting" to convey something is needed or absent.

there's a gap in understanding

Highlights that the knowledge isn't complete by stating there's a gap.

comprehension is wanting

Replaces "knowledge" with "comprehension" indicating a lack of grasp or complete understanding.

acumen is deficient

Substitutes "knowledge" with "acumen" to highlight a lack of specific knowledge.

FAQs

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

Use "knowledge is lacking" to indicate a deficiency of information in a particular area. For example, "knowledge is lacking about the long-term effects of this new medication".

What are some alternatives to "knowledge is lacking"?

Alternatives include phrases like "information is absent", "understanding is deficient", or "data is scarce", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "knowledge is lacking" or "there is a lack of knowledge"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning. The choice depends on stylistic preference. "Knowledge is lacking" is more direct, while "there is a lack of knowledge" is slightly more formal.

What does "knowledge is lacking" imply?

It implies that there is an absence or deficiency of information or understanding about a particular subject. This can hinder progress, decision-making, or further research in that area.