Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
lack of reflex
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "lack of reflex" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing physical responses, reactions, or reflexes, often in medical or psychological discussions. Example: "The patient exhibited a lack of reflex in the knee-jerk test, indicating potential neurological issues."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Wiki
Alternative expressions(6)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
Identification of muscular degeneration or lack of reflex can occur through clinical testing of deep tendon reflexes, or via photomotogram (an achilles tendon reflex test).
Wiki
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
Other indications included lack of cough reflex, arterial oxygen desaturations, and dyspnea.
In univariate analysis, a lower RASS score (p = 0.003), a lower FOUR score (p = 0.001), a lower score on the motor component of the Glasgow coma scale (p = 0.001), and a lack of cough reflex (p = 0.033) at the time of EEG were significantly associated with a poor outcome.
Science
Deep anesthesia was ensured by a lack of withdraw reflex upon toe pinch.
Science
Efficiency of anaesthesia was monitored by lack of withdrawal reflex upon hind toe pinching, and no reaction to skin pinch over the area to be incised.
Latency times, measured from drug application to the animals' complete lack of postural reflex, lateral decumbency and absence of resistance to handling, showed great stability among all animals from both protocols.
Science
Rehabilitation was initiated at the age of three weeks, the infant was retained in the hospital for eight weeks in order to stabilise the epileptic activity, to monitor nutrition (due to the lack of sucking reflex and dysphagia), and for the orthopaedic treatment.
Science
In Neuro ICU patients the most common complication that could delay the weaning was the low level of consciousness (28 patients) following by the inability to manage the oral secretions and the lack of airway reflexes (11 and 6 patients).
A complete lack of both reflexes was recorded as no response.
Science
Lack of withdrawal reflexes was tested throughout the experiment and additional doses of urethane were given if necessary to ensure a stable level of anaesthesia.
Exclusion criteria were 1) heredity of neurological disease, 2) presence of neurologic or metabolic disease, 3) treatment with medicine known to influence nerve function, or 4) signs of peripheral neuropathy, such as lack of tendon reflexes or decreased vibration sense.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing medical conditions, be specific about which reflex is affected (e.g., "lack of knee-jerk reflex") for clarity.
Common error
Avoid using "lack of reflex" as a general term for unresponsiveness. Specify the type of reflex to avoid ambiguity and ensure accurate communication.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "lack of reflex" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes the state or condition of not having a reflex, often within a medical or scientific context. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.
Frequent in
Science
95%
News & Media
3%
Wiki
2%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "lack of reflex" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes the absence or reduction of a reflexive response. According to Ludwig, it's suitable for written English, predominantly appearing in scientific and medical contexts. Its purpose is to describe a symptom or sign, often in a formal register. Alternatives include "absence of reflex" and "diminished reflex". Awareness of appropriate usage ensures clarity and precision, especially in medical or technical communication.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
absence of reflex
Replaces "lack" with "absence", a direct synonym, maintaining the same meaning.
loss of reflex
Emphasizes the disappearance of a reflex that was previously present.
diminished reflex
Indicates a reduced or weakened reflex, rather than a complete absence.
impaired reflex
Suggests that the reflex is not functioning properly, implying a problem or issue.
reduced reflex response
Specifically describes the response to a stimulus as being reduced or less pronounced.
weakened reflex
Similar to diminished, indicating a reflex that is less strong than normal.
areflexia
A medical term for the absence of reflexes, more formal and clinical.
non-existent reflex
Highlights that the reflex simply does not exist or cannot be elicited.
unresponsive reflex
Indicates that the reflex does not respond to stimuli.
suppressed reflex
Suggests that the reflex is being actively prevented or inhibited.
FAQs
What does "lack of reflex" mean in a medical context?
In medicine, "lack of reflex" refers to the absence or significant reduction of a normal involuntary response to a stimulus, which can indicate neurological issues or other medical conditions.
What are some possible causes of a "lack of reflex"?
A "lack of reflex" can be caused by various factors, including nerve damage, spinal cord injuries, deep anesthesia, or certain metabolic disorders. Clinical testing can help determine the underlying cause.
Which is more appropriate: "absence of reflex" or "lack of reflex"?
Both "absence of reflex" and "lack of reflex" are acceptable, but "absence of reflex" may be considered slightly more formal in certain contexts. They are largely interchangeable.
How is a "lack of reflex" typically diagnosed?
A "lack of reflex" is typically diagnosed through a neurological examination, where a healthcare professional tests various reflexes using tools like a reflex hammer. Further tests may be conducted to determine the cause.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested