lack of either

USAGE SUMMARY

"lack of either" is a correct and common phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a lack or absence of two specific things or options. You can use it in a sentence when discussing options or choices that are both missing or unavailable. Example: "The job requires either a college degree or five years of relevant work experience, but unfortunately, I lack either qualification."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The panel listed several shortcomings, including the lack of either a strategic plan or systematic, formal training for animal keepers.

The New York Times

Above all, the lack of either a narrative arc or a philosophical kernel is an insurmountable flaw.

Independent

Economic growth and strong democratic government can be mutually reinforcing but the lack of either debilitates the other.

The Economist

Because of ongoing fighting and lack of either UN or NATO protection of the grave sites, villagers and relatives could not accompany the forensic teams.

University of California, Berkeley

Jake is clearly several cheeses short of the sample platter, but that's not a problem for Marisa (Cerina Vincent), a gorgeous veterinarian who pursues a relationship despite Jake's distinct lack of either a personality or a clue.

The New York Times

Frequent turnover in program managers at the Pentagon, as well as a lack of either responsibility or accountability by officials for specific weapons programs, means there are few consequences when programs go astray, the G.A.O. said.

The New York Times

Prince Charles in a polo neck on a horse, trading quips about cufflinks with Lady Di, whose conspicuous lack of either horse or polo neck establishes her as a nascent agitator who Won't Play By The Rules, By Jove®.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Yet for a presidential bid, Fayyad would face significant obstacles to victory, notably his lack of either a support base or affiliation to the main parties, Fatah and Hamas.

The Guardian - Opinion

Public frustration with the violence was echoed in newspaper columns, with writers lamenting what they said was the government's lack of either a military or political strategy to break the cycle of attack and retaliation.

The New York Times

Yet, the cooperation between the Cdk4 R24C allele and lack of either p21Cip1 or p27Kip1 only affects to specific tumor types (sarcoma or pituitary neoplasia, respectively) and most other tissues are unaffected.

Nature

The new Interceptor will have to overcome two potential drawbacks, at least in perception — the lack of either V-8 power or rear-wheel drive — as it vies with two, or possibly three, other challengers to the Crown Vic's throne.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lack of either", ensure that you are referring to two specific, distinct items or options. This phrase emphasizes the absence of both, not just one.

Common error

Avoid using "lack of either" when you intend to convey the absence of more than two items. This phrase is strictly for scenarios involving only two possibilities; for multiple items, use "lack of any" or "lack of all".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of either" functions as a conjunction phrase that introduces a condition or reason based on the absence of two specified items. It connects two elements, emphasizing that the absence of both leads to a particular outcome, a conclusion supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

41%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lack of either" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that indicates the absence of two distinct items or options. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It is most prevalent in scientific and news media contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for diverse applications. To ensure clarity, it's important to use it precisely when referring to only two items, avoiding its misuse for more than two possibilities. Alternatives such as "absence of both" or "deficiency in both" can provide similar meanings while varying stylistic nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absence of both

Focuses on the absence of two items, which is conceptually similar to a "lack of either".

devoid of either

Focuses on a complete absence or lack of something, similar to "lack of either".

missing both

This option is more concise and direct, indicating that both items are not present.

deficiency in both

Highlights a deficit or inadequacy in two distinct aspects.

the absence of one or the other

It refers to a the absence of both elements.

wanting of both

Emphasizes a need or desire for two things that are not present.

void of both

Emphasizes emptiness or lack of content in relation to two elements.

nonexistence of both

Stresses that two things do not exist, mirroring the "lack of either".

scarcity of both

Indicates a limited availability or shortage of two specified items.

paucity of both

Suggests a small quantity or insufficient amount of two distinct elements.

FAQs

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

Use "lack of either" to indicate that two specific options or items are absent. For example, "The project failed due to the "lack of either" funding or adequate planning".

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

Alternatives include "absence of both", "wanting of both", or "deficiency in both", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "lack of neither" instead of "lack of either"?

No, "lack of neither" is generally considered incorrect because it creates a double negative. "Lack of either" is the correct way to express the absence of both options.

What does "lack of either" imply about the items being discussed?

"Lack of either" implies that both items being considered are missing or unavailable. It emphasizes that neither of the two options is present or sufficient.