lack of overlap

USAGE SUMMARY

"lack of overlap" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the absence of any shared or common elements between two different things. For example, "The lack of overlap between the two neighborhoods made it difficult to build common public spaces."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The lack of overlap between Tyson and IBP is a double-edged sword, analysts said.

The New York Times

A lack of overlap makes it easier to shift any given piece inside or outside the company's walls.

Harvard Business Review

The lack of overlap has posed problems for media buyers in the past.

The New York Times

Moreover, there will be no need to assume a lack of overlap between open and closed-loop spectra.

Automatica

Given the lack of overlap between AS and A-level, it's likely that only the brightest students would cope with sitting both.

The Guardian

The test provides a provably reliable alarming system that helps practitioners detect the lack of overlap if a desirable overlap condition is rejected.

Yale University

What's of particular interest regarding the Sight and Sound list — and where it coheres with my own, despite the lack of overlap of particular titles — is its Franco-centrism (apart, of course, from Thomson's magnum opus).

The New Yorker

But while the lack of overlap protects Chrysler workers, it also suggests that the merger, despite its size, might have little impact on the domestic or foreign auto industry.

The New York Times

This lack of overlap may be explained by the published data being based on microarray-based studies.

Protein & Cell

Moreover, the lack of overlap ensures that on-site comparisons rely on out-of-sample predictions, too.

European Transport Research Review

Habitat and dietary overlap are often cited as the primary mechanism by which competition occurs with both overlap and lack of overlap (displacement) used as evidence of competition.

Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the "lack of overlap" between different data sets or studies, clearly specify the criteria or parameters used to determine overlap, ensuring transparency and facilitating comparison.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "lack of overlap" automatically implies that the findings are unimportant or invalid. Instead, explore the reasons behind the divergence and consider that different methodologies or contexts may lead to varying results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of overlap" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the absence of shared characteristics or commonality between two or more distinct entities or concepts. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and widely used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lack of overlap" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that signifies the absence of shared elements between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard expression suitable for various contexts. Predominantly found in science, news, and formal business settings, it serves the purpose of highlighting distinctions and differences. When using the phrase, it's important to clarify the criteria for determining overlap to ensure clear communication. Remember that a "lack of overlap" does not inherently imply insignificance; rather, it calls for a deeper exploration of the reasons behind the divergence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absence of intersection

Emphasizes the absence of a common area or point where two things meet or cross.

non-intersection

A formal term indicating that sets or categories do not share any elements.

no commonality

Highlights the complete absence of shared characteristics or features.

complete disjointedness

Focuses on the total separation and absence of connection between elements.

distinct separation

Emphasizes a clear and noticeable division between two or more things.

absence of correlation

Indicates that there is no statistical or logical relationship between two variables or concepts.

no alignment

Stresses that two or more things are not in agreement or correspondence.

divergence

Highlights the act of moving in different directions or having differing opinions.

disconnection

Emphasizes the absence of a link or relationship.

absence of synergy

Indicates that the combined effect of elements is not greater than the sum of their individual effects.

FAQs

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

You can use "lack of overlap" to describe situations where two or more things do not share common elements or characteristics. For example, "The "lack of overlap" between the two departments hindered effective communication."

What are some alternatives to "lack of overlap"?

Alternatives include "absence of intersection", "no commonality", or "complete disjointedness", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey. Each of these alternatives offers a slightly different emphasis while retaining the core meaning of a lack of shared elements.

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

Both "lack of overlap" and "absence of overlap" are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations, with "lack of overlap" being slightly more common in everyday language.

What does a "lack of overlap" signify in research?

In research, a "lack of overlap" can indicate differing methodologies, distinct sample populations, or divergent interpretations of data. It's crucial to investigate the reasons behind this divergence rather than dismissing the results outright.