lack of harmony

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lack of harmony" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a deficiency in agreement, balance, or unity among elements or individuals. Example: "The lack of harmony in the team led to misunderstandings and conflicts during the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Judge LA Reid disses them for lack of harmony and originality.

The Washington Post

And Cecilia Noble and Kobna Holdbrook-Smith epitomise the lack of harmony even among illegal immigrants.

The Guardian

On Saturday the two drums seemed always to be played in separate meters, and the lack of harmony struck me as unfortunate.

The New York Times - Arts

Pier Pressure began life as a bona fide new Beach Boys album, until bad intra-group vibes (lack of harmony?) forced Wilson to assume ownership.

Independent

In Van Eyck's work, the elegance of the composition and the presence of the woman's pet dog soften the suggested lack of harmony in the couple.

The New York Times - Arts

City's fans have reacted with dismay to the sacking with Kevin Parker, general secretary of the Manchester City Supporters Club, suggesting that any lack of harmony behind the scenes was a side issue.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

In spite of the poor run of their batsmen and their lack of team harmony, he views their pace bowling attack as "something to beat our chests over".

The Guardian - Sport

According to Stemmier, Lips drawing was engraved by Adam Ludwig Wirsing in 1787 and sent to Lavater but the author was not satisfied with the sharp angles and lack of overall harmony in composition.

Princeton University

There are those who still criticize the lack of racial harmony in this city, but even those images have begun to change.

Huffington Post

The Orb's first studio production on Island Records was Pomme Fritz, a chaotic EP noted for its heavy use of strange samples and its lack of conventional harmonies.

Wikipedia

The '03 offered more mineral flavors, while the '01 seemed to lack a bit of harmony.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, use "lack of harmony" to denote an absence of balance or agreement. For instance, in describing political situations, business negotiations, or interpersonal relationships.

Common error

Avoid using "lack of harmony" when a stronger term like "conflict" or "disagreement" is more appropriate. "Lack of harmony" suggests a subtle imbalance, whereas "conflict" implies a more active opposition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of harmony" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts. It describes the absence of agreement or balance, often connoting tension or disunity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lack of harmony" is a versatile term used to describe an absence of balance, agreement, or unity across diverse contexts. As Ludwig confirms, its use is grammatically sound and common in both formal and informal settings. While synonyms like "disharmony" and "discord" exist, "lack of harmony" often implies a more subtle imbalance than outright conflict. The sources reviewed underscore its relevance in discussions ranging from team dynamics and political affairs to artistic expression. Therefore, while the phrase is generally safe to use, it's important to consider whether a stronger or more specific term might better convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disharmony

Emphasizes the absence of musical or aesthetic agreement.

discord

A single word expressing a lack of agreement or consonance.

dissonance

Highlights a clash of elements that are not in agreement.

lack of agreement

Focuses on the absence of consensus or shared understanding.

lack of cohesion

Emphasizes the absence of elements sticking together or working well together.

absence of accord

Highlights the lack of mutual understanding or agreement.

lack of rapport

Indicates a deficiency in mutual understanding and harmonious relationship.

state of disunity

Highlights a condition of being divided or not unified.

friction

Highlights the presence of conflict or tension between entities.

imbalance

Suggests a lack of equilibrium or proportion among elements.

FAQs

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

You can use "lack of harmony" to describe situations where there is a deficiency in agreement or balance. For example, "The "lack of harmony" within the team hindered the project's progress."

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

Alternatives include "disharmony", "discord", or "lack of agreement" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "absence of harmony" or "lack of harmony"?

Both "absence of harmony" and "lack of harmony" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice often depends on stylistic preference, though "lack of harmony" is slightly more common.

What does "lack of harmony" imply in a relationship?

In a relationship, "lack of harmony" suggests a deficiency in understanding, agreement, or emotional connection. It can indicate underlying tensions or unmet needs without necessarily implying open conflict.