lack of argument

USAGE SUMMARY

"lack of argument" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It refers to a situation in which there is no valid or convincing evidence or reasoning to support a particular point of view. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as in academic essays, debates, or discussions. Example: "The lack of argument in the lawyer's closing statement diminished the credibility of their case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Hence the lack of argument over whether the war in Afghanistan is just.

The New York Times

Mr. Fugard has said he believes it to be his most important play, and his reason may have to do with its almost total lack of argument.

The New York Times

And for all its bravura originality, and the virtuosity of Leo Warner's video design, I was discomfited by the lack of argument in this show-but-never-tell production.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

This is in accordance with other research describing clinical teachers' lack of arguments concerning how learning will best take place in clinical teaching [ 28].

BMC Medical Education

Anyway, my sense is that the lack-of-leverage argument was not decisive.

The New Yorker

This same lack-of-training argument has been given in the past as a way to lay off older workers who lack certain skills, and is now being used to outsource knowledge workers to India.

The New York Times

This lack-of-sensitivity argument is even confirmed by the fact that some scales are highly significantly correlated with medium to large effect sizes (between r = .24 and r = .46).46

European Transport Research Review

But what concerns me, despite some good articles and excellent speeches on both sides in the long House of Lords debate, is the lack of rational argument, leading to a genuine meeting of minds, by those who wish to change the law to allow assisted dying.

The Guardian

He can counter lack-of-competition arguments by pointing to a new Treasury-futures venture, set up by eSpeed, a broker, and a group of banks.

The Economist

The Guardian "In health scandals it is easy - and usually appropriate - to proffer the lack of resources argument.

The Guardian

Not so much" Read the article in full here - if you can stand the baffling lack of any argument whatsoever.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lack of argument", ensure you clearly articulate what specific argument is missing and why its absence is significant. This adds clarity and strengthens your critique.

Common error

Avoid simply stating there's a "lack of argument" without specifying what kind of argument is needed or why its absence weakens the position. Provide context and explain the implications of this deficiency to make your critique more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of argument" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the absence of a reasoned case or supporting evidence. Examples from Ludwig show its use in critiquing the strength of a position or creative work.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lack of argument" is a noun phrase used to indicate the absence of reasoning or evidence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although its usage is relatively rare. The phrase is typically employed in neutral and analytical contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific domains. When using "lack of argument", it's essential to specify what argument is missing and why it matters to enhance clarity and impact. Alternative phrases like "absence of reasoning" or "paucity of evidence" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of supporting evidence

Specifically refers to the deficiency in backing data.

absence of reasoning

Highlights the missing logical thought process.

insufficient justification

Highlights that the provided reasons are not adequate.

paucity of evidence

Emphasizes the scarcity of supporting facts.

scarcity of justification

Focuses on the limited availability of valid reasons.

dearth of substantiation

Indicates a significant absence of proof or confirmation.

want of proof

Directly points out the missing verification.

absence of rationale

Underscores the missing underlying principle or logic.

unfounded claim

Describes a statement without a solid basis.

failure to provide evidence

Points to the act of not supplying the needed proof.

FAQs

How can I use "lack of argument" in a sentence?

You can use "lack of argument" to describe the absence of supporting evidence or reasoning in a discussion, debate, or piece of writing. For example, "The presentation suffered from a "lack of argument", making it unconvincing."

What's a good alternative to "lack of argument"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "lack of argument" include "absence of reasoning", "paucity of evidence", or "insufficient justification".

Is it better to say "lack of argument" or "absence of argument"?

Both "lack of argument" and "absence of argument" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Lack of argument" is slightly more common in contemporary usage, but either phrase is acceptable.

What does it mean when someone says there's a "lack of argument"?

It typically means that the speaker or writer believes that there is no compelling reasoning or evidence to support a particular claim or position. This suggests the claim is weak or unsubstantiated.