lack of response

USAGE SUMMARY

"lack of response" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who has not responded to a request or other communication. For example, "The patient's family was frustrated with the doctor's lack of response to their questions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Interesting lack of response.

The New Yorker

We were not surprised by the lack of response.

The Guardian - Opinion

This outward lack of response is typical of her.

The Guardian

Perhaps there are two reasons for this lack of response.

The New York Times

The lack of response from donors has energised them further.

The Guardian

Lack of response to four consecutive stimuli indicated habituation.

European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology

However, there is a lack of response predictive biomarkers.

European Urology Focus

Besides the firm's lack of response, the problem here is "worth".

The Guardian - Money

What is remarkable is the lack of response to the senator's comment.

The New York Times

But even I was stunned by McKeganey's 1% figure – and the lack of response.

The Guardian - Opinion

The turbos kick in smoothly, with no noticeable lack of response.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lack of response", consider the context to choose a more specific term if appropriate. For example, "silence" might be better in some cases than "lack of response".

Common error

While generally acceptable, "lack of response" can sometimes sound less professional in formal writing. Consider stronger alternatives like "failure to acknowledge" or "non-compliance" for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of response" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the state or condition of not receiving a reply or reaction, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lack of response" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to describe the absence of a reaction or reply. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's widely employed across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and formal business settings. While generally neutral, consider tailoring your vocabulary depending on the formality of the situation. Alternatives such as "absence of reply" or "non-responsiveness" may be suitable for more formal contexts. Remember to choose the most specific and impactful term based on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

non-responsiveness

A more formal synonym for lack of response.

unresponsiveness

Similar to non-responsiveness, but can imply a more general lack of engagement.

absence of reply

Focuses on the absence of a written or verbal reply.

no answer

Directly states that there was no answer provided.

failure to answer

Stresses the failure to provide an answer to a question or request.

no reaction

Directly states the absence of any reaction.

no acknowledgment

Emphasizes the failure to recognize or validate something.

failure to react

Highlights the absence of a reaction to a stimulus.

silence

Indicates a complete absence of sound or communication.

inactivity

Highlights the absence of action or activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "lack of response" to describe a situation where someone does not react or reply. For example, "The politician's lack of response to the accusations fueled further speculation."

What can I say instead of "lack of response"?

You can use alternatives like "absence of reply", "no acknowledgment", or "failure to react" depending on the context.

Is "lack of response" formal or informal?

"Lack of response" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferable in certain situations.

What is the difference between "lack of response" and "lack of reaction"?

While similar, "lack of response" typically implies a failure to reply or communicate, while "lack of reaction" suggests a failure to show any outward sign of emotion or action. Consider the subtle nuance when choosing between them.