lack of effort

USAGE SUMMARY

"lack of effort" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use this phrase to describe someone who does not apply enough energy/effort to complete a task. For example, "Despite showing initial enthusiasm, Jeff's lack of effort resulted in an incomplete project".

✓ Grammatically correct

Sports

General Discussions

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It wasn't for lack of effort".

The New York Times - Sports

"Just lack of effort," Johnson said.

The New York Times - Sports

Lack of effort, lack of concentration".

The New York Times - Sports

No 4 Lack of effort.

The Guardian - Sport

There is not a lack of effort.

The Guardian - Sport

It wasn't a lack of effort.

The New York Times - Sports

Chaney denounced the lack of effort.

The New York Times - Sports

But it's hardly for lack of effort.

The Guardian - Arts

It's not for lack of effort.

The New York Times

Just smacks of a lack of effort".

The Guardian - Sport

"But it's not for lack of effort.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lack of effort" to address a root cause, not just a symptom. Investigate underlying issues like motivation or skill gaps.

Common error

Avoid attributing all failures solely to "lack of effort". This overlooks other potential factors such as inadequate resources, unclear instructions, or systemic problems. Ascribing blame without investigation can stifle improvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of effort" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes the absence of exertion or diligence, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it used to explain failures or shortcomings in various situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Sports

26%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

13%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lack of effort" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes the absence of diligence or exertion. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and often used to explain failures or express disappointment. Its register is generally neutral, appearing in various contexts from news and sports to business. Common alternatives include "insufficient dedication" and "failure to apply oneself". When using this phrase, it's crucial to be specific and avoid overgeneralization, as failures can stem from factors beyond just effort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absence of diligence

Highlights the non-existence of careful and persistent work.

failure to apply oneself

Indicates a failure to engage with the task or activity at hand.

insufficient dedication

Highlights the inadequate level of commitment or devotion.

little commitment

Highlights the scarce amount of engagement with the task.

inadequate exertion

Emphasizes the insufficient amount of physical or mental energy expended.

deficient engagement

Emphasizes the inadequate level of involvement or participation.

want of application

Emphasizes the deficiency in focused effort and attention.

negligence of duty

Focuses on the failure to fulfill one's responsibilities or obligations.

poor performance

Focuses on the result stemming from a lack of sufficient input or engagement.

passivity

Highlights the lack of active participation or initiative.

FAQs

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

You can use "lack of effort" to describe a situation where someone isn't applying themselves sufficiently. For example, "The project's failure was due to a "lack of effort" from key team members."

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

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "insufficient dedication", "failure to apply oneself", or "absence of diligence".

Is it always accurate to attribute poor results to a "lack of effort"?

No, it's important to consider other factors. Sometimes, poor results stem from a "lack of resources", inadequate training, or systemic issues, not just effort.

What is the difference between "lack of effort" and "incompetence"?

"Lack of effort" implies that someone has the ability but isn't applying themselves. "Incompetence", on the other hand, suggests a "lack of ability" or skill, regardless of how much effort they put in.