lack of intellect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lack of intellect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deficiency in intelligence or understanding in a particular context. Example: "His arguments were dismissed due to a perceived lack of intellect on the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"It's very strange — this complete lack of intellect and complete lack of sensitivity.

The Guardian - Music

But I feel saddened that faith is so often assumed to be coupled with a lack of intellect.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Given that it is not due to a lack of intellect, or a failure to think through the issues – what is the answer?

The Guardian

"I think the wonderful thing about our group is we have a very short memory, and it has nothing to do with lack of intellect," Maddon said.

The New York Times - Sports

Finally, Mr Panetta echoes, from the inside, a criticism levelled by foreign powers: that Mr Obama harmed American credibility by failing to enforce a "red line" against the use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime in Syria.The problem is not a lack of intellect, Mr Panetta concludes, but of "fire".

The Economist

In one of The Nation's forums, Jean Elshtain blamed the contemporary phenomenon of "therapeutic culture, with its celebration of a self that views the world solely through the prism of the self" for America's current perceived lack of intellect.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Her Republican fans defend her lack of application and intellect, happy to settle for her emotional electricity.

The New York Times

Your article also claims that Harriet E. Miers's nomination was derailed when conservatives attacked her, but I recall a broader set of objections from across the ideological spectrum based upon her utter lack of experience and intellect.

The New York Times

Such fear along with invocation of migrant workers' lack of aesthetic appeal, intellect, cleanliness, and composure is one of the many reasons that urban workers fashioned workplace boundaries out of their spatial privileges.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

Politicians will have to be extra cautious so as not to make any obnoxious comments as a result of their lack of common sense, intellect and wisdom.

Huffington Post

After a small strange tour of homes, they end up at the castle of a prince, who essentially takes over the voice of the book with endless ranting about the minds of men: their foolishness, their delusions, their egoism, their lack of spirit or intellect, their exhaustion.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lack of intellect", provide context to clarify the specific area where intellect is lacking. For example, "a lack of intellect in financial matters" is more precise than a general statement.

Common error

Avoid using "lack of intellect" as a blanket statement without providing specific examples or context. Overgeneralizing can lead to misinterpretations and unfair judgments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of intellect" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a deficiency or absence of intellectual capacity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lack of intellect" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a deficiency in intelligence or understanding. According to Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English. While not extremely common, it appears in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. To avoid misinterpretations, providing specific examples is advisable when employing this phrase. Alternatives like "lack of understanding" or "intellectual deficiency" may offer more nuance depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of intelligence

A more direct synonym, referring to a general deficiency in mental capacity.

absence of intellect

Emphasizes the complete non-existence of intellectual capacity.

lack of understanding

Focuses on the absence of comprehension rather than overall intelligence.

shortage of understanding

Highlights the insufficiency in the ability to understand complex concepts.

deficiency in reasoning

Specifically targets the inability to think logically.

intellectual deficiency

Emphasizes a medical or psychological perspective on the lack of intellect.

paucity of intellect

Highlights the scarcity or limited amount of intellect.

limited cognitive capacity

Focuses on the restricted ability to process information and think.

cognitive impairment

Focuses on the impaired function of cognitive processes.

want of intelligence

A more formal or archaic way of expressing a lack of intelligence.

FAQs

What does "lack of intellect" mean?

The phrase "lack of intellect" refers to a deficiency or absence of intelligence, understanding, or mental capacity.

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

You can use "lack of intellect" to describe someone's inability to grasp complex ideas or solve problems effectively. For example: "The project failed due to a "lack of intellect" among the team members."

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

Alternatives include "lack of understanding", "lack of intelligence", or "intellectual deficiency" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "lack of intellect" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "lack of intellect" can sound harsh. Consider using more nuanced or formal alternatives like "deficiency in reasoning" or "limited cognitive capacity" in professional or academic contexts.