lack of power

USAGE SUMMARY

"lack of power" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a phrase that refers to a situation where someone or something does not have the ability, authority, or influence to do something. Example: "The company's lack of power in the market led to its decline in sales and profits." This sentence means that the company's lack of influence or control in the market resulted in a decrease in its sales and profits.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This year, the lack of power hurts.

The New York Times

Hangartner's issue is a lack of power.

The New York Times

It is not diversity it is lack of power.

The Economist

But this means little if the structural causes underpinning women's lack of power are left intact.

The Guardian

He complains about the judge's lack of power to influence the jury's verdict.

The Guardian - Opinion

CdA For me I would say it's a problem of power, or lack of power.

The Guardian

With churches dimmed by a lack of power, congregations were forced to improvise.

The New York Times

Many localities in England are stymied by a lack of power in this area.

The Guardian

A few metres away, Ronaldo was calling conspiracy, decrying Madrid's supposed lack of power.

The Guardian - Sport

Drivers noted the lack of power steering, but passengers were very pleased.

The New Yorker

Ultimately, the reader is left mourning Corden's relative lack of power at ITV.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the consequences of "lack of power", be specific about what is hindered or prevented. For example, instead of just saying "the lack of power was detrimental", specify "the lack of power hindered the team's ability to negotiate effectively".

Common error

Avoid using "lack of power" when the real issue is a "lack of effort". "Lack of power" implies an inability or absence of resources, whereas "lack of effort" suggests a choice not to utilize available resources.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of power" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a state or condition of being without influence, authority, or strength. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts, such as political, physical, or economic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lack of power" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that effectively communicates the absence of authority, influence, or strength. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and suitable for written English. Its versatility is evident in its prevalence across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science, as well as its presence in varied authoritative sources. Understanding its nuances and potential alternatives ensures clear and impactful communication. When using the phrase, consider the specific context to accurately convey the intended meaning. The phrase’s widespread usage confirms its vital role in describing situations where influence or control is deficient.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

powerlessness

Direct synonym emphasizing the state of being without power.

weakness

A general term for a state of being not strong, either physically or in influence.

inability to influence

Highlights the ineffectiveness in affecting outcomes or decisions.

absence of authority

Focuses specifically on the absence of formal control or authorization.

want of control

Stresses the missing element of being in charge or having command.

helplessness

Focuses on the inability to act or assist oneself.

deficiency in strength

Emphasizes a physical or metaphorical weakness.

impotence

Indicates a state of being powerless or helpless, often in a formal or clinical context.

limited capacity

Emphasizes the restricted ability or resources available.

deficiency in energy

Highlights the shortage of energy to accomplish something.

FAQs

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

You can use "lack of power" to describe a situation where someone or something does not have sufficient authority, ability, or resources to achieve a desired outcome. For example, "The "lack of power" made it difficult for the small business to compete with larger corporations".

What are some alternatives to "lack of power"?

Alternatives include "powerlessness", "inability to influence", and "absence of authority", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "lack of power" or "powerlessness"?

Both "lack of power" and "powerlessness" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on the desired tone and context. "Lack of power" may sound slightly more neutral, while "powerlessness" can emphasize a feeling of helplessness.

What is the difference between "lack of power" and "lack of control"?

"Lack of power" generally refers to a deficiency in the ability to influence or effect change, while "lack of control" implies an inability to manage or direct a situation or entity. While related, control specifically relates to governance or management.