lack faith

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lack faith" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's absence of belief or trust in something or someone. Example: "Many people seem to lack faith in the government's ability to address climate change effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Fire walkers believe that only those who lack faith will suffer from injuries from fire, while the faithful are spared.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I lack faith.

The Economist

Meulensteen does not lack faith in his own abilities.

Independent

"Right now a lot of Iranians lack faith in their government," he said.

The New York Times

But it seems to lack faith even in its own clichés.

The New York Times

Not if I lack faith in the state's power to affect the economy.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Had he lacked faith?

The New York Times - Books

Then why had he lacked faith in the Jackson jury?

The New Yorker

Crime victims often decide not to file complaints, lacking faith in the justice system.

The New York Times

A cleric might've guessed that he lacked faith in God and humanity.

The New Yorker

She left in part because she lacked faith in the literacy program.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lack faith" when you want to express a deficiency in trust or belief, whether in a person, system, or idea. For instance, you might say, "Many citizens "lack faith" in the government's economic policies".

Common error

Don't use "lack faith" when you simply mean a lack of skill or knowledge. "Faith" implies belief or trust, not competence. Instead of saying "He "lacks faith" in mathematics", say "He lacks skill in mathematics".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack faith" functions as a verb phrase indicating a deficiency in belief or trust. It's often used to describe someone's attitude towards a person, system, or idea, highlighting their disbelief or skepticism. Ludwig examples confirm this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lack faith" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a deficiency in belief or trust. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "have no faith" or "distrust" exist, "lack faith" provides a clear and direct way to convey skepticism or doubt. Be mindful not to confuse the term with a lack of skill or knowledge; "faith" specifically pertains to belief and trust. Therefore, using this phrase correctly ensures clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have no faith

Direct synonym, emphasizing the absence of belief.

not trust

Simple and direct way to express a lack of confidence.

disbelieve in

Focuses on actively not believing.

lose faith in

Indicates a previous belief that has diminished.

doubt

Expresses uncertainty or question regarding something.

distrust

Implies a lack of confidence or reliability.

be skeptical of

Indicates a cautious or questioning attitude.

have reservations about

Expresses concerns or hesitations.

be suspicious of

Suggests a feeling of mistrust or doubt.

question the validity of

Focuses on doubting the truth or accuracy.

FAQs

How can I use "lack faith" in a sentence?

You can use "lack faith" to describe a lack of belief or trust in something. For example: "They "lack faith" in the justice system", or "He "lacks faith" in modern medicine".

What's the difference between "lack faith" and "have no faith"?

Both "lack faith" and "have no faith" essentially mean the same thing: a deficiency or absence of belief or trust. The choice between them often comes down to stylistic preference.

What can I say instead of "lack faith"?

Alternatives include "doubt", "distrust", or "be skeptical of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone is "lacking faith"?

Yes, "lacking faith" is a grammatically correct and commonly used alternative to "lack faith". Both phrases effectively convey the same meaning: the absence of belief or trust.