lack of modesty

USAGE SUMMARY

"lack of modesty" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person who does not show humility or restraint. For example, "His lack of modesty made it difficult to take him seriously."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

And I had, forgive me for the lack of modesty, some kind of success.

The New Yorker

After its opening declaration about Dr. Crick's lack of modesty it adroitly portrayed the participants' feelings as the helter-skelter pursuit of DNA wound to its resolution.

The New York Times

Miss Trenholm declares that the greatest problem confronting the United States is the extravagance, inefficiency, lack of modesty, and selfishness of its women and young girls.

The New York Times

Romans were deeply suspicious of the cult of nudity fostered by the Greek gymnasium, both because of its seeming lack of modesty and its homosexual implications.

The New York Times - Arts

Given Trump's financial achievements, and his lack of modesty, it is no surprise he opened a school to pass on the secrets of his success.

The New York Times

In this country, politicians frequently suffer from a serious lack of modesty and often find it difficult to concede their weaknesses.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

I had my own idea and it wasn't far off," says Cumberbatch with a Sherlock-like lack of false modesty.

Independent

Like Lincoln, Whitman was unchurched, a freethinker, untempted by religious dogma though of course steeped in the poetry of scripture — indeed, the poet, with his usual lack of false modesty, called the1860 edition a "new Bible".

The New Yorker

So even in high school he had not only the idea, but let's say the lack of false modesty to go ahead and do something which many people much older would not have dared to do.

The Guardian

Madonna's antics – her pointy bras and unashamed sexuality, the voracity of her stance (literally and figuratively), her absolute lack of sexual modesty – are name-checked constantly in the discussion about what the US journalist Ariel Levy terms "raunch culture".

The Guardian - Music

The sharks aren't going to be embarrassed by your lack of underwater modesty.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lack of modesty" to describe someone who frequently brags or behaves in a way that shows an inflated sense of self-importance. Consider stronger synonyms like "arrogance" or "vanity" if the situation warrants a more forceful term.

Common error

Avoid using "lack of modesty" to describe someone who is simply shy or introverted. These traits often involve a preference for quietness and introspection, not necessarily an inflated ego. "Lack of modesty" specifically implies a visible overestimation of one's own worth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of modesty" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes the absence of humility or reserve in a person's character or behavior, aligning with examples from various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lack of modesty" is a noun phrase used to describe the absence of humility, often implying excessive pride or self-importance. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. As shown by Ludwig's examples, it appears frequently in news and media, as well as academic writing, suggesting a neutral register. When using this phrase, be mindful of the potential negative connotations and consider alternative phrases like "arrogance" or "vanity" for stronger emphasis. Avoid using it to describe shyness or introversion, as it specifically refers to an inflated ego. Overall, understand that using the expression implies a negative assessment of character. So be careful when choosing the appropriate context to use it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immodesty

A single word synonym, implying a similar absence of humility.

arrogance

Focuses on the excessive pride and belief in one's own superiority.

conceit

Emphasizes an exaggerated opinion of oneself.

vanity

Highlights excessive concern with one's own appearance or achievements.

boastfulness

Refers to the act of excessively praising oneself.

egotism

Suggests an excessive sense of self-importance.

presumption

Indicates behavior that is inappropriately forward or confident.

audacity

Implies a bold or daring disregard for norms or expectations.

braggadocio

Refers to empty boasting or bragging.

self-importance

Highlights an exaggerated sense of one's own significance.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "lack of modesty" in a sentence?

You can use phrases like "immodest behavior", "arrogant attitude", or "boastful demeanor" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "lack of modesty" and arrogance?

"Lack of modesty" is a general term indicating an absence of humility. Arrogance is a stronger term suggesting an exaggerated sense of one's own importance and a disdain for others.

Is "lack of modesty" always a negative trait?

Generally, yes. While confidence is positive, a "lack of modesty" often implies excessive pride and self-regard, which can be off-putting.

Can "lack of modesty" be a positive trait in certain situations?

In rare cases, a "lack of modesty" might be perceived as confidence, especially in competitive environments. However, it's crucial to balance self-assurance with genuine humility to avoid alienating others.