lack of cleverness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lack of cleverness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deficiency in intelligence or wit in a person or situation. Example: "The lack of cleverness in his argument made it easy for others to dismiss his points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

One of the best things about the novel, apart from the boldness of conception, is its lack of cleverness: there's a bare minimum of winking.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was not for lack of initiative or cleverness that Libby failed at his mission, which was to get the Administration's version of the Wilson story into the Times.

The New Yorker

"We just lacked that wee bit of cleverness to get you a goal," added Mellon.

BBC

Have you picked up on the way that a lack of soul is covered by cleverness, giddiness, childishness?" That is all true.

Los Angeles Times

They clear only the lowest bar of cleverness, like puns.

The New Yorker

We've got lots of cleverness".

The New York Times

What these characters lack in cleverness, they make up for in cruelty.

The New York Times

If anyone died of cleverness it was Hugh Everett.

The Guardian - Film

All of "Live By Night" is written with that same degree of cleverness and care.

The New York Times - Books

Remember, an ounce of loyalty is worth a pound of cleverness.

The New Yorker

A field born of cleverness and audacity is now ruled by something else: fear of failure.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character or situation, use "lack of cleverness" to subtly imply a deficiency without being overly harsh. For example, "The plan failed not through malice, but a simple "lack of cleverness".

Common error

Avoid using "lack of cleverness" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and nuanced terms like "lack of insight", "deficiency in analytical skills", or "limited strategic thinking" depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of cleverness" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the absence of intelligence, wit, or ingenuity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase, though somewhat rare, pointing to its specific application in describing a deficiency.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lack of cleverness" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a deficiency in intelligence, wit, or ingenuity. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, it's a relatively rare expression. It finds its primary context in news and media, wiki and science. While the sources employing the phrase are generally reliable, it's advisable to consider more precise alternatives like "absence of wit" or "want of ingenuity" depending on the specific context to avoid overuse, especially in formal writing. The phrase serves primarily to express a deficiency or limitation in a subject's cognitive or problem-solving abilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absence of wit

This alternative directly replaces "cleverness" with "wit", focusing on the absence of humor and quick intelligence.

deficiency in wit

This alternative directly replaces "cleverness" with "wit", highlighting the absence of humor or inventiveness in speech or writing.

want of ingenuity

This alternative uses "ingenuity" to highlight the absence of inventiveness and resourcefulness.

lack of smartness

This is a simpler, more informal way to express the absence of intelligence.

paucity of intelligence

This alternative emphasizes the scarcity of intelligence, suggesting a broader deficit in cognitive ability.

deficiency in insight

This alternative focuses on the lack of understanding and perception.

lack of astuteness

This alternative highlights the absence of shrewdness and keen observation.

shortage of brilliance

This alternative emphasizes the absence of exceptional talent or intelligence.

absence of sharpness

This alternative focuses on the lack of mental acuity and quickness.

want of acumen

This alternative uses "acumen" to denote a lack of keenness and depth of perception, especially in practical matters.

FAQs

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

You can use "lack of cleverness" to describe a deficiency in intelligence or wit, as in "The plan's failure was due to a "lack of cleverness" in its design".

What are some alternatives to saying "lack of cleverness"?

Alternatives include phrases like "absence of wit", "want of ingenuity", or "paucity of intelligence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "lack of cleverness" or "lack of intelligence"?

The choice depends on the context. "Lack of intelligence" is a broader statement, while "lack of cleverness" implies a more specific deficiency in wit or ingenuity. Consider which aspect you want to emphasize.

What does it mean when someone is described as having a "lack of cleverness"?

It means they are not particularly witty, ingenious, or quick-thinking. It suggests a deficiency in problem-solving skills and the ability to come up with creative solutions.