lack of drill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lack of drill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is an absence of practice or training, often in a military or educational context. Example: "The team's performance suffered due to a lack of drill before the competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Carolyn Parker, a climbing guide who lives in Albuquerque, where she goes by the nickname Blitzkrieg Barbie, also emphasized the lack of drill sergeant behavior.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

There was also a lack of drilling rigs and men to work them.

The New York Times - Magazine

According to the Energy Information Administration, our domestic production has fallen 40percentt since 1985, and not for lack of drilling.

The New York Times

But law, public opinion and a lack of drilling and exploration kit make European shale gas harder to get out.

The Economist

On Petrofac, Evolution Securities said: "The statement is not as downbeat as Wood Group's [yesterday] - reflecting the lack of drilling/ North American exposure and also the relatively robust development market in Middle East and North Africa.

The Guardian - Business

During a discussion about lack of drilling for oil on federal land, the two could barely contain themselves, confronting one another just a few feet apart, almost eye-balling one another, with Obama saying "not true" while Romney insisted it was "absolutely true".

The Guardian

Transocean's failures included the "inhibiting" of automatic safety warning systems, a lack of drills for an emergency evacuation, the installation of electrical equipment in places where it could ignite gases, a lack of barriers to protect crew members from a blast or fire, and a history of safety violations that were not addressed, according to the study.

The New York Times

Owing to a lack of drilling and geophysical data, many ambiguities still exist about the underground structure.

Earth, Planets and Space

Neotectonic and sedimentary processes in the South China Sea abyssal basin are still debated because of the lack of drilling evidence to test competing models.

Journal of Asian Earth Sciences

A common lament was the lack of practice days, denying them the chance to drill players on tactical nuances and correct flaws they detected during games.

The New York Times - Sports

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) had not issued a fire permit to the factory owners in 2014 or 2015, and violations noted in their reports included a failure to service the fire extinguishers and a lack of fire drills, alarm systems and sprinkler systems.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lack of drill", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a military exercise, a preparatory procedure, or a training regimen. Clarity is key to avoiding misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "lack of drill" in ambiguous contexts where the reader might not understand if you're referring to a physical training exercise, a routine procedure, or the tool itself. Provide enough context to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of drill" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It indicates a deficiency or absence of systematic exercise or training. Ludwig's AI confirms the phrase's usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lack of drill" signifies a deficiency in training or systematic exercise, functioning as a noun phrase within sentences. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While its register is generally neutral, its usage is more frequent in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key to ensure the context—whether military, procedural, or training-related—is well understood. Alternatives include "absence of training" or "deficiency in practice". It's crucial to avoid ambiguous situations where the intended meaning might be unclear. This is supported by the analysis of examples found in Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Absence of training

Focuses specifically on the non-existence of training.

Deficiency in practice

Highlights the inadequacy of practical application.

Insufficient preparation

Emphasizes the inadequacy of the preparatory measures.

Inadequate rehearsal

Specifically refers to the lack of sufficient rehearsal time.

Want of drilling

Uses a more archaic term for lack, sounding formal.

Failure to practice

Highlights the failure to engage in practice.

Neglect of training

Implicates negligence in providing adequate training.

Omission of drills

Highlights that drills were skipped or left out.

Shortage of exercises

Focuses on a quantitative deficiency in exercises.

Limited practice opportunities

Emphasizes restricted availability of practice.

FAQs

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

You can use "lack of drill" to describe a deficiency in training or preparation. For example, "The poor performance was attributed to a "lack of drill" before the competition".

What are some alternatives to "lack of drill"?

Alternatives to "lack of drill" include "absence of training", "deficiency in practice", or "insufficient preparation", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "lack of drill" or "lack of training"?

The choice between "lack of drill" and "lack of training" depends on the context. "Lack of drill" specifically implies a deficiency in repeated exercises or procedures, while "lack of training" is a more general term for insufficient instruction or preparation.

What does "lack of drill" mean in a business context?

In a business context, "lack of drill" can refer to a failure to adequately practice emergency procedures, implement routine operational tasks, or conduct necessary training exercises. It can also be related to failure to repeat or test, in simulation, a process that is critical for the success of the company.