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 submissions
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "lack of submissions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there are few or no submissions received, often in contexts like competitions, assignments, or proposals. Example: "The committee expressed concern over the lack of submissions for the annual art contest, as it may affect the event's success."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(20)
lack of ideas
lack of documentary
lack of evidence
lack of inputs
lost documents
lack of argument
insufficient participation
lack of bacteria
lack of papers
outstanding paperwork
lack of feedback
lack of boundaries
missing paperwork
availability of documents
lack of submission
lack of literature
lack of observation
lack of activities
lack of invoices
absence of documents
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
2 human-written examples
According to Danuta Kean, who edited the Writing the Future report, the lack of submissions for the Jhalak prize reveals that publishers still have work ahead.
News & Media
Until recently, the lack of submissions also resulted in a lack of optical mapping presence in genome browsers.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
In his first interview since the release of Blonde, Frank Ocean has clarified his lack of submission to the 2017 Grammys, saying: "The awarding system and the nomination system and screening system is dated".
News & Media
It's all a bit of a (rather sinister) laugh, as Welch's refrain "a kiss with a fist is better than none" is supported by her own lack of submission to the beau whose jaw she once broke.
News & Media
Of the presentations that were not submitted to a peer-reviewed journal, the three most common reasons given for the lack of submission was insufficient time to prepare a manuscript, the manuscript was still in progress and co-authors moving or changing institutions (Sprague et al. 2003).
To talk about broad societal disruption and criminals' lack of submission to lawful authorities, and then say, "Maybe it's ok to profess some desire to overthrow a legitimately elected government," is inconsistent.
News & Media
Thus, the bias from missing outcome data that may affect a meta-analysis is on two levels: non-publication due to lack of submission or rejection of study reports (a study level problem) and the selective non-reporting of outcomes within published studies on the basis of the results (an outcome level problem).
Science
Module 2 (data cleaning, enrichment, and annotation module) deals with data incompleteness, inconsistency, and ambiguities due to the lack of submission standards in the online primary databases.
Ideally, functional annotations will be deposited by direct submission to appropriate databases by the discoverers, but a historical lack of submission standards for higher-level biological data, has lead to the vast majority of this information being recording only in primary scientific literature.
Science
This lack of outward submission led some critics to accuse Quakers of "levelling all conditions" and ignoring social hierarchies between magistrates and people, husbands and wives, and masters and servants (Collier 1657, 12).
Science
Whilst data from clinical databases and registries may seem more attractive than HES data, their utility remains hampered by the lack of mandatory submission from all providers [ 39, 50].
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When discussing "lack of submissions", clearly specify what type of submissions you are referring to (e.g., proposals, applications, entries) to avoid ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid using "lack of submissions" without providing context. Instead of saying, "There was a lack of submissions", specify, "There was a lack of submissions for the grant proposal", to give more clarity.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "lack of submissions" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a deficiency or shortage in the number of submitted items. Ludwig's examples show it's often used to express concern or explain a problem arising from this deficiency.
Frequent in
Science
30%
News & Media
30%
Formal & Business
20%
Less common in
Wiki
10%
Encyclopedias
5%
Reference
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "lack of submissions" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a deficiency in the number of submitted items. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is suitable for formal and neutral contexts, particularly in science, news, and business settings. When using the phrase, it's crucial to specify the type of submissions to ensure clarity and avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "shortage of entries" or "deficiency in proposals", offering nuanced ways to express the same concept depending on the specific context. Addressing the underlying reasons for a "lack of submissions" is essential for resolving the issue. Overall, according to Ludwig, the phrase is widely understood and accepted in the English language.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
shortage of entries
Focuses on the insufficient number of entries received, often in competitions or contests.
deficiency in proposals
Highlights the inadequate number of proposals, typically in formal settings.
inadequate number of filings
Emphasizes the insufficient quantity of filings, commonly in legal or administrative contexts.
scarcity of applications
Stresses the limited number of applications received, particularly in job or program admissions.
limited number of entries
Indicates that the quantity of entries is restricted or insufficient.
poor response rate
Reflects a low percentage of responses, usually in surveys or calls for feedback.
insufficient participation
Highlights the lack of involvement or contribution from individuals or groups.
dearth of entries
Implies a severe scarcity of entries, often in creative or competitive endeavors.
meager number of requests
Indicates a small and unsatisfactory number of requests received.
paucity of applications
Suggests a very small or insufficient quantity of applications.
FAQs
How can I rephrase "lack of submissions"?
You can use alternatives such as "shortage of entries", "deficiency in proposals", or "inadequate number of filings" depending on the context. Consider also "insufficient participation" or "poor response rate".
Is it appropriate to use "lack of submissions" in formal writing?
Yes, "lack of submissions" is suitable for formal writing. However, ensure the context is clear. For example, "The committee noted the lack of submissions for the research grant" is appropriate.
What are the reasons for a "lack of submissions"?
A "lack of submissions" can stem from various reasons including poor publicity, stringent requirements, tight deadlines, or a general lack of interest in the topic. Addressing these underlying issues can improve submission rates.
How does "lack of submissions" impact an organization?
A "lack of submissions" can lead to missed opportunities, reduced innovation, and a failure to meet goals. For instance, a company with a lack of submissions for new product ideas may struggle to stay competitive.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested