lack of specificity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lack of specificity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations where details or clarity are insufficient. Example: "The report was criticized for its lack of specificity, making it difficult to understand the proposed solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here's how.

Huffington Post

Potter wondered if Trump's lack of specificity reflected internal divisions.

The New Yorker

The lack of specificity angered several council members.

The New York Times

This lack of specificity grows wearing after a while.

The New York Times - Books

The report's lack of specificity clouds even its good news.

The New York Times

And his lack of specificity allows each person to hear what they want to hear.

The Guardian - Opinion

The problem is the bill's lack of specificity about what an end user is.

The New York Times

There's a haunting quality to it, but the lack of specificity is frustrating.

The Guardian - Books

The lack of specificity stands in contrast to the more clearly defined role of Mr. Gore.

The New York Times

The frequent lack of specificity in the government's warnings and information has also heightened public fear.

The New York Times

What's odd about this post is not its grouchiness but its lack of specificity.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When criticizing a document or plan, follow "lack of specificity" with a concrete example to illustrate the problem. This will make your critique more persuasive.

Common error

While "lack of specificity" is generally acceptable, in highly formal writing, consider stronger, more precise alternatives like "absence of detail" or "insufficient clarity" to enhance the impact and sophistication of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "lack of specificity" is that of a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting the absence of detailed or precise information. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in criticizing reports, warnings, and plans.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lack of specificity" is a commonly used noun phrase to denote the absence of detailed or precise information. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability across diverse contexts. While it serves as a critique pointing out the need for greater clarity, alternative phrases like "absence of detail" or "insufficient clarity" can offer a stronger impact in formal settings. Usage analysis reveals its frequent occurrence in news, scientific, and formal/business contexts. Therefore, understanding the nuances and appropriate usage of "lack of specificity" is crucial for effective communication and critique.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

non-specificity

A more formal way to express "lack of specificity".

absence of detail

Focuses on the missing particulars or elements, highlighting incompleteness.

insufficient clarity

Emphasizes the lack of clear and understandable information.

vagueness

Highlights a state of being undefined or unclear.

lack of precision

Similar to 'imprecision', but emphasizes the absence of precise details.

imprecision

Indicates a lack of exactness or accuracy.

ambiguity

Focuses on the possibility of multiple interpretations.

want of detail

Emphasizes the need or requirement for more detailed information to be present.

generality

Highlights the broad and non-specific nature of information.

indefiniteness

Highlights a state of not being clearly defined or determined.

FAQs

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

You can use "lack of specificity" to point out that something is not detailed or precise enough. For example: "The proposal was criticized for its "lack of specificity" regarding budget allocation."

What are some alternatives to "lack of specificity"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "absence of detail", "insufficient clarity", or "vagueness" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "lack of specificity" formal or informal?

"Lack of specificity" is generally considered appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. However, for very formal writing, consider more impactful alternatives like "absence of detail" or "imprecision".

How does "lack of specificity" differ from "ambiguity"?

"Lack of specificity" refers to a general lack of detail or precision, while "ambiguity" implies that something is open to multiple interpretations. Something can lack specificity without being ambiguous, and vice versa.