lack of intelligence

USAGE SUMMARY

"lack of intelligence" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you need to refer to someone's lack of intelligence or smarts. For example, "His lack of intelligence led him to make a number of bad decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's not a lack of intelligence.

The New York Times

I attribute this to a lack of intelligence among the people".

The New York Times

"But that reflects a lack of access and a lack of intelligence as much as anything".

The New York Times

"There were people who were responsible, for lack of intelligence, lack of planning, lack of organization".

The New York Times

He derided the Palestinian suicide bombers for a lack of intelligence.

The New York Times

But these systemic problems are not only the result of a lack of intelligence or resources or logistics.

The New Yorker

The lack of intelligence from human sources in the tribal areas has been the main problem, the officials said.

The New York Times

He's often self-effacing about his playing days, and likes to poke fun at his "lack of intelligence".

The New York Times - Sports

We are missing the core of literature, the excitement, and it is being misunderstood for a lack of intelligence.

The Guardian

When Trump demanded an IQ test, Khan's people explained that ignorance was not the same as a lack of intelligence.

The Guardian

Orientalist descriptions of Egyptians' lack of intelligence, particularly when it comes to self-rule, are as old as the European colonization of Egyptian peoples.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lack of intelligence", consider the specific context to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the intended meaning, opting for more precise terms when available.

Common error

Avoid using "lack of intelligence" as a blanket statement to describe someone's overall capabilities. Focus on specific areas of deficiency to provide constructive feedback.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of intelligence" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a deficiency or absence of cognitive abilities. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lack of intelligence" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a deficiency in cognitive abilities. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. While frequently found in news and media, as well as scientific discussions, its directness may necessitate the use of more nuanced alternatives in formal settings. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the specific context and avoid overly broad applications. Alternatives such as "intellectual deficiency" or "cognitive impairment" may offer a more precise and diplomatic way to convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intellectual deficiency

Focuses on the deficiency of intellectual capacity.

cognitive impairment

Emphasizes the impairment of cognitive functions.

mental ineptitude

Highlights the lack of skill or competence in mental tasks.

shortage of intellect

Stresses the scarcity or inadequacy of intellectual resources.

paucity of understanding

Highlights a limited or insufficient comprehension.

limited cognitive ability

Specifies the restricted capacity for cognitive processes.

deficiency in reasoning

Points out the inadequacy in the ability to think logically.

absence of insight

Focuses on a lack of understanding of cause and effect.

want of acumen

Emphasizes the lack of sharpness and quickness in understanding.

simplemindedness

Suggests a lack of complexity or sophistication in thought.

FAQs

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

You can use "lack of intelligence" to describe a deficiency in cognitive abilities. For example, "The project's failure was attributed to a "lack of intelligence" and planning."

What are some alternatives to "lack of intelligence"?

Alternatives include "intellectual deficiency", "cognitive impairment", or "limited cognitive ability", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "lack of intelligence" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "lack of intelligence" can be harsh. In formal writing, consider more nuanced alternatives like "deficiency in reasoning" or "paucity of understanding" to convey the message more diplomatically.

What's the difference between "lack of intelligence" and ignorance?

"Lack of intelligence" refers to an inherent cognitive limitation, while ignorance implies a "lack of knowledge" or awareness, which can be remedied through education.