lack of rigor

USAGE SUMMARY

"lack of rigor" is an acceptable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation in which someone or something is not adhering to accepted standards or is not taking an activity seriously enough. For example, "The lack of rigor in his research led to numerous data errors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Like Mr. Stuart, this was the moral Feynman preferred, as he warned the Caltech undergrads to be rigorous scientists, because their lack of rigor would be quickly exposed by the scientific process.

The New Yorker

In sum, even though the literature revealed a lack of rigor in the coursework of female and minority students, rigorous high school coursework was a strong predictor of the success in postsecondary courses beyond students' gender and social economic status.

International Journal of STEM Education

But that lack of rigor renders them inconsequential.

The New York Times - Arts

Low-performing public schools are often criticized for flabby curriculums, petty politics and lack of rigor.

The New York Times

A lack of rigor in verifying reliable sources made information suspect or confusing.

The New Yorker

For all that, the Qaddafi dictatorship is unusual for its lack of rigor and efficiency.

The New York Times

There was, from the start, a wariness and a lack of rigor about the Clinton Administration's use of force.

The New Yorker

Mr. Epstein said a test conducted by the F.B.I. in his first challenge showed the lack of rigor.

The New York Times

This lack of rigor leaves room for plenty of diagnoses that are based on something other than biology.

The New York Times - Magazine

Principals and teachers — their lack of "rigor" and "low expectations" for their students — are the primary offenders.

The New York Times - Books

Examples of lack of rigor have been extensively documented and proposals for practices to improve rigor are appearing.

Neuron

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When criticizing research or analysis, use "lack of rigor" to specifically target the methodological weaknesses rather than broadly attacking the conclusions.

Common error

Avoid using "lack of rigor" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler terms like "sloppiness" or "carelessness" for better clarity and tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of rigor" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a deficiency in the quality of thoroughness, accuracy, or adherence to standards. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lack of rigor" is a noun phrase commonly used in formal contexts to critique the absence of thoroughness, accuracy, or adherence to established standards. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English, particularly in academic, scientific, and professional domains. While frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Academia, it is less suitable for informal conversation. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the formality of the context and targets methodological weaknesses rather than making broad, unsubstantiated claims. Alternatives such as "insufficient thoroughness" or "inadequate precision" can be considered based on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insufficient thoroughness

Emphasizes the incompleteness or superficiality of an action or process.

inadequate precision

Highlights the absence of exactness or accuracy.

deficient stringency

Focuses on the absence of strictness or severity in applying rules or standards.

laxity in standards

Indicates a loosening or relaxation of established criteria.

absence of meticulousness

Stresses the lack of careful attention to detail.

carelessness in execution

Highlights a lack of diligence or attention when carrying out a task.

superficial approach

Suggests a shallow or surface-level treatment of a subject.

unsound methodology

Refers to a flawed or unreliable system of methods.

flawed execution

Emphasizes the mistakes and errors when carrying out a task.

deficient discipline

Indicates a lack of self-control or order.

FAQs

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

You can use "lack of rigor" to describe a deficiency in thoroughness, accuracy, or adherence to standards. For example, "The study suffered from a "lack of rigor" in its data collection methods."

What are some alternatives to "lack of rigor"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "insufficient thoroughness", "inadequate precision", or "deficient stringency".

Is it better to say "lack of rigor" or "lack of thoroughness"?

The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey. "Lack of rigor" often implies a deficiency in methodological soundness or adherence to strict standards, while "lack of thoroughness" suggests a more general incompleteness or superficiality.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "lack of rigor"?

Use "lack of rigor" in formal writing and discussions when you need to critique the methodology, analysis, or standards applied in a particular situation. It's often used in academic, scientific, or professional contexts to point out weaknesses in a process or study.