lack of material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lack of material" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is insufficient or inadequate physical resources or content available for a particular purpose. Example: "The project was delayed due to a lack of material needed for construction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It can't be for lack of material.

The Guardian - Books

Retch does not suffer from a lack of material.

The New York Times

There's no lack of material or tools to work with.

The Guardian

The lack of material would keep the craters looking fresh.

The New York Times - Science

The problem is not a lack of material riches.

The New York Times

A lack of material is not the problem.

The New York Times - Arts

Certainly Mr. Garfein's life offered no lack of material.

The New York Times

"There is certainly no lack of material," Martin told Entertainment Weekly in April.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

(Lack of material caused Strachey to abandon his proposed biography of Mrs. Beeton).

The New York Times - Books

She believes a lack of material excess in her childhood, paradoxically, left her more secure.

The Guardian - Books

In the Time Out interview she added: "There's a lack of material for women.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lack of material", clearly specify what kind of material is lacking. For example, "lack of material evidence" or "lack of material resources" provides more context and clarity.

Common error

Do not use "lack of material" without specifying the type of material. Vague usage can confuse readers. Instead of saying "the project failed due to a lack of material", specify what material was lacking, such as "lack of material support" or "lack of material data".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of material" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the absence or deficiency of resources, supplies, or evidence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

31%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lack of material" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a deficiency in resources, supplies, or evidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable in written English. It is commonly used in News & Media, Academia and Science. To enhance clarity, always specify the type of material lacking. Alternatives include "scarcity of resources" or "shortage of supplies". While versatile, precise usage strengthens communication across diverse professional and academic contexts. The phrase maintains a neutral to professional register, making it appropriate for varied audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scarcity of resources

Focuses on the limited availability of resources, highlighting the insufficient quantity.

paucity of resources

Emphasizes the limited or insufficient quantity of necessary items.

shortage of supplies

Highlights the insufficient quantity of essential items or provisions.

absence of resources

Indicates a complete unavailability of required resources.

deficiency of supplies

Focuses on the inadequacy or insufficiency of essential items.

inadequate resources

Highlights that available resources are not sufficient to meet the need.

limited resources

Stresses the restricted quantity or availability of necessary supplies.

insufficiency of materials

Highlights the lack of required materials to fulfill a need or purpose.

meager resources

Indicates that the available resources are scarce and of poor quality.

restricted access to resources

Focuses on the limited ability to obtain necessary resources.

FAQs

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

You can use "lack of material" to describe situations where resources or supplies are insufficient. For example: "The investigation was hampered by a "lack of material evidence"" or "The project suffered from a "lack of material support"".

What are some alternatives to "lack of material"?

Alternatives include "scarcity of resources", "shortage of supplies", or "paucity of resources". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "lack of materials" or "lack of material"?

Both "lack of material" and "lack of materials" are acceptable, but "lack of material" is generally used when referring to a general deficiency, while "lack of materials" might be used when referring to specific types of materials. Context dictates the best choice.

What does "lack of material" mean in the context of scientific research?

In scientific research, "lack of material" might refer to an insufficient amount of sample for analysis or a "lack of data" to support a hypothesis. It indicates that there is not enough physical substance or information available to proceed effectively.