lack of bread

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lack of bread" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is an absence or shortage of bread, often in a metaphorical sense related to poverty or scarcity. Example: "The community faced a serious lack of bread during the economic downturn, leading to increased hunger among its residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Service is very speedy but, as illustrated by the lack of bread refills, slack.

The New York Times

Throughout Passover, incidentally, owing to the lack of bread or leaven, egg dishes are immensely popular.

Independent

There may be a lack of bread or tea in the house but Mam and Dad always manage to get the fags, the Wild Woodbines.

The New York Times

But the would-be marchers wanted to complain about the lack of bread and butter, rather than the flattening of democracy.

The Economist

Hadfield briskly scotches the idea that he died "for lack of bread" (as reported by Ben Jonson), but the other part of the story – that he returned £20 sent by the Earl of Essex, saying "he was sorrie he had no time to spend them" – sounds characteristic of him.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Clams are also baked two ways -- Casino style, with the usual onions, peppers and bacon, and a merciful lack of breading; and barbecued, with bacon and sharp cheese.

The New York Times

PARIS — The much-discussed cessation of work by the journeymen bakers has become an accomplished fact last night [May 10], though it is yet open to doubt that the population of the capital will suffer any serious lack of fresh bread.

The New York Times

One American tourist described how her hotelier begged the guests' forgiveness for the lack of fresh bread, before herding them upstairs, where they perched anxiously on their trunks and watched the water mount the staircase.

The Guardian - Arts

There may be a lack of tea or bread in the house but Mam and Dad always manage to get the fags, the Wild Woodbines.

The New Yorker

Despite the lack of scientific evidence, bread is one of the most restricted foods in popular hypocaloric diets.

Clinical Nutrition

"In those cases, it's not just the lack of a roof or of bread, it's also a spiritual lack - a loneliness and lack of recognition.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "lack of bread" in writing, consider the specific context to determine whether it's meant literally or metaphorically. Ensure clarity by providing enough information about the reason for the lack of bread and its consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "lack of bread" in contexts where a simple "shortage" or "absence" would be more appropriate. Overusing archaic or dramatic phrasing can make your writing sound unnatural or forced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of bread" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the absence or scarcity of bread. Examples from Ludwig showcase its usage in describing situations of hardship and deprivation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lack of bread" is a grammatically correct noun phrase indicating an absence or scarcity of bread. As indicated by Ludwig, its frequency is rare but is mostly found in News & Media. While understandable, the phrase can sound somewhat dramatic in modern contexts; simpler alternatives like "bread shortage" may be more appropriate. Ludwig's analysis confirms its role in conveying hardship or need, and suggests a neutral to slightly formal register, thus one should carefully consider the context before using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bread shortage

Focuses specifically on a temporary absence of bread.

bread scarcity

Emphasizes a general shortage or rarity of bread.

absence of bread

States plainly that bread is not present.

insufficiency of bread

Highlights that the available bread is not enough.

dearth of bread

Indicates a severe lack or scarcity of bread.

shortfall of bread

Focuses on the amount by which the bread supply falls short.

paucity of bread

Implies a small or meager amount of bread.

food deprivation

Broadens the scope to include the lack of any food, not just bread.

famine

Indicates an extreme and widespread scarcity of food, including bread.

food insecurity

Refers to the state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.

FAQs

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

You can use "lack of bread" to describe a situation where bread is scarce or unavailable. For example, "The refugees suffered from a severe "lack of bread" after the disaster".

What's the difference between "lack of bread" and "shortage of bread"?

"Lack of bread" is a more general term indicating an absence, while "shortage of bread" specifically implies that there is less bread available than needed or expected.

What can I say instead of "lack of bread"?

Alternatives include "bread shortage", "bread scarcity", or "absence of bread", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "lack of bread" in a formal context?

While grammatically correct, "lack of bread" can sound somewhat archaic or dramatic in modern formal contexts. Using a more direct and neutral term like "insufficient bread supply" might be more suitable for professional writing.