lack of kindness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lack of kindness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or behavior where kindness is absent or insufficient. Example: "The lack of kindness in his words left a lasting impression on everyone in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

If that translates into lack of kindness.

The Guardian

What could betray it as a machine — a lack of kindness?

The New Yorker

Most dispiriting of all is the near-total lack of kindness, empathy or any other authentic human connection.

The New York Times

"I'm A Celebrity's lack of kindness is matched only by the show's total dearth of creativity, evidenced by the fact that it has repeated the same irresponsible and inhumane tasks for more than a decade".

Independent

"There are major C.E.O.'s who do not know how to hold a knife and fork properly, but I don't worry about that as much as the lack of kindness," she told The New York Times in 1992.

The New York Times

There are a whole bunch of reasons why suicides among children have now reached a 17-year high, not least the political and institutional lack of kindness that starves children's mental health services of resources.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The reason we are turning uncivilised, un-British, unchristian, un-western – however you define it – is the lack of tangible kindness.

The Guardian - Opinion

Almost half of women who miscarry have to wait 24 hours or more for a scan, and this lack of "human kindness" needs to be addressed, a survey has found.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One of the equally unsettling aspects of the culture is its complete lack of basic human kindness and compassion as a rule.

Huffington Post

You just lack a kindness of spirit, and you clearly can't hang and will drown in the sea of sharing that is my life, because we share everything from HBO GO passwords to gynecologists.

Huffington Post

I can only imagine that the phenomenon is something akin to Stockholm Syndrome -- when captives psychologically experience sympathy or even empathy for their captors and victims mistake a lack of abuse as an act of kindness.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a societal trend, use "lack of kindness" to emphasize the negative impact on community well-being.

Common error

Don't equate highlighting a "lack of kindness" with advocating for aggression or being insensitive. It's about recognizing areas where empathy and compassion can be improved, not about promoting negativity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of kindness" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the absence or deficiency of the quality of being kind, as shown by Ludwig in various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lack of kindness" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase to express the absence of compassion or empathy. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalence across news, online guides, and general discourse. While straightforward, it effectively conveys disapproval or concern, making it versatile for various contexts. Remember to use it thoughtfully to highlight areas where positive qualities are missing, without promoting negativity. Related phrases like "absence of compassion" or "want of empathy" can offer nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of human warmth

Focuses on the absence of emotional connection and friendliness.

absence of compassion

Focuses specifically on the missing element of compassion.

want of empathy

Highlights the deficiency in understanding and sharing the feelings of others.

absence of fellow feeling

Stresses the missing sense of shared emotion and understanding.

deficiency of goodwill

Emphasizes the shortage of positive and friendly feelings.

shortage of benevolence

Indicates a scarcity of acts of charity and generosity.

want of solicitude

Underscores the deficiency in care and concern for others.

paucity of grace

Suggests a lack of elegance and courteous behavior.

scarcity of human decency

Highlights the limited presence of moral and ethical behavior.

dearth of consideration

Emphasizes the absence of thoughtful regard for others.

FAQs

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

You can use "lack of kindness" to describe situations where compassion is absent. For example, "The politician's speech showed a clear "lack of kindness" towards the marginalized communities".

What are some alternatives to "lack of kindness"?

Alternatives include "absence of compassion", "want of empathy", or "deficiency of goodwill". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. For example, to sound more emphatic and serious you may use "want of empathy".

Is it correct to say "a lack of kindness" or simply "lack of kindness"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "lack of kindness" is more common in general usage. Adding "a" can emphasize a specific instance or degree of the "lack of kindness".

What is the difference between "lack of kindness" and "cruelty"?

"Lack of kindness" implies an absence of positive action, while "cruelty" suggests actively causing harm. "Lack of kindness" is passive; cruelty is active and malicious.