lack of leniency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lack of leniency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is no tolerance or flexibility shown towards someone or something. Example: "The judge's lack of leniency in sentencing was evident when he imposed the maximum penalty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

St. Aubyn has written beautifully from the vantage point of self-preserving self-regard, and habits of mind that might be weaknesses in other fiction — a lack of leniency, a certain unresponsiveness toward the world beyond one's world — become strengths.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

McGowan Davis is in fact deeply critical of those Israeli investigations — their tardiness, leniency, lack of transparency and flawed structure.

The New York Times

We should see it with some degree of leniency.

The New York Times

This assertion is met with disbelief and accusations of "leniency".

The Guardian

It deprives the police of discretion, and the public of leniency.

The New Yorker

Within hours, however, another apparent case of leniency toward a pedophile priest emerged.

The New York Times

Before the hearing, there had been a series of hints of leniency from the ruling elite.

The New York Times

But the agency leans too often on the side of leniency.

The Economist

It was not, in the end, that moment of leniency that turned the match around.

The New York Times - Sports

Robespierre dared not risk the countercharge of leniency to a former peer, and Biron was guillotined.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some people are genuinely unaware of the C.T.R. requirement, and their cases might be ripe for an exercise of leniency.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lack of leniency", ensure the context clearly establishes what or who is not being treated leniently. This provides necessary context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "lack of leniency" always implies negativity. While often associated with harshness, it can also indicate fairness or necessary rigor in certain contexts, like legal or safety regulations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of leniency" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the state or condition of not being lenient. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lack of leniency" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe the absence of forgiveness or tolerance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's commonly found in news and media, with a neutral register making it suitable for various contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clarifies what is not being treated with leniency for better understanding. Related phrases include "absence of mercy" and "shortage of tolerance".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of clemency

Mirrors the original phrase but uses the more formal term "clemency".

absence of mercy

Focuses specifically on the absence of compassionate treatment.

shortage of tolerance

Highlights the insufficient acceptance of differing views or behaviors.

no forgiveness

Directly states the absence of forgiving actions or attitudes.

strictness

Emphasizes adherence to rigid rules and standards.

severity

Indicates harshness in dealing with situations or individuals.

harshness

Similar to severity, but with a stronger emphasis on unpleasantness.

intolerance

Highlights the unwillingness to accept differing views.

stringency

Focuses on the exacting and demanding nature of rules or enforcement.

rigidity

Emphasizes the inflexibility and unyielding nature of rules or attitudes.

FAQs

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

You can use "lack of leniency" to describe situations where strictness or severity is present. For example, "The judge's "lack of leniency" in sentencing was criticized by the defense attorney."

What are some alternatives to "lack of leniency"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "absence of mercy", "shortage of tolerance", or simply "strictness", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Both "lack of leniency" and "absence of leniency" are grammatically correct. "Absence of leniency" might sound slightly more formal, but the choice depends on the desired tone and context.

What's the difference between "lack of leniency" and "intolerance"?

"Lack of leniency" generally refers to a specific instance or policy where forgiveness or mildness is absent. "Intolerance", on the other hand, usually implies a general attitude of unwillingness to accept differing views or behaviors.