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 terminals
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "lack of terminals" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there are insufficient terminals available for a particular purpose, such as in a transportation or technological context. Example: "The lack of terminals at the airport caused significant delays for travelers trying to check in."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Alternative expressions(1)
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
3 human-written examples
However individual schools are likely to face logistical challenges switching to computerised exams because of a lack of terminals.
News & Media
They have failed dismally because of a lack of terminals and the reluctance of customers to add yet another piece of plastic to their already bulging wallets.
News & Media
Many trials in the U.S. have failed dismally due to a lack of terminals and the reluctance of customers to add yet another piece of plastic to their already bulging wallets.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
Second, after the mammary epithelium had filled the mammary fat pad, a complete lack of terminal branching, or late block, was observed (Gsn−/−LB).
Science
Transplantation of GsnWT epithelium into the Gsn−/− fat pad recapitulated the lack of terminal branching seen in Gsn−/− females.
Science
Loss of UPF2, initiated from the early stages of hepatoblast migration and onwards, resulted in relative minor phenotypes, the main being the lack of terminal differentiation of fetal liver cells at a stage beyond the HNF4α-dependent epithelial transformation.
Science
The lack of terminal cell death in vivo may be alternatively explained by the rapid clearance of dead cells by macrophages, thus we used the fluorogenic caspase-3 substrate PhiPhiLux to purify OVA-specific CD8+ T-cells at day 5 of infection into active caspase-3hi and caspase-3low fractions (Fig. 5A).
Science
This lack of terminal galactose is associated with a poor prognosis in the course of the disease [ 48].
Erythroid cell dysplasia observed in MDS is due to a lack of terminal erythropoiesis and increased apoptosis.
Science
These findings were consistent with a lack of terminal electron acceptors (N rich nucleotides and CO2), which results in the over-reduction of plastoquinone and NADP+.
Science
Under hypoxic conditions there is a lack of terminal electron acceptors and M. tuberculosis must reoxidize reduced metabolites to maintain viability.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When discussing technological infrastructure, quantify the "lack of terminals" with specific numbers to highlight the scale of the issue. For instance, 'The company's "lack of terminals"—only one for every fifty employees—significantly hinders productivity.'
Common error
Avoid using "lack of terminals" in overly general contexts where 'shortage' or 'deficiency' might be more appropriate. "Lack of terminals" is most impactful when referring to specific devices or access points within a defined system.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "lack of terminals" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It indicates a deficiency or shortage, as seen in Ludwig's examples regarding logistical challenges in schools and failures in stored-value cards.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Science
50%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "lack of terminals" is a noun phrase used to describe a situation where there are not enough terminal devices, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While grammatically sound and understandable, its usage is relatively rare and mostly confined to news, media and scientific contexts. When writing, it's best to quantify the lack and use it precisely when discussing technological or infrastructural limitations. Consider using synonyms like "shortage of terminals" or "insufficient terminals" for variety. However, Ludwig suggests that "lack of terminals" is appropriate and usable in written English.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
shortage of terminals
Replaces "lack" with "shortage", emphasizing insufficient quantity.
scarcity of terminals
Substitutes "lack" with "scarcity", highlighting rarity and limited availability.
insufficient terminals
Replaces the phrase with an adjective-noun structure, directly stating inadequacy.
deficiency of terminals
Employs "deficiency" instead of "lack", stressing incompleteness or inadequacy.
absence of terminals
Uses "absence" to denote a complete non-existence, a stronger form of lack.
limited number of terminals
Expresses the idea by directly stating that the quantity is restricted.
inadequate terminal supply
Focuses on the supply being insufficient to meet demands or needs.
paucity of terminals
Utilizes "paucity" to indicate a small or meager quantity, adding a formal tone.
dearth of terminals
Replaces "lack" with "dearth", suggesting a severe or critical shortage.
restricted access to terminals
Shifts the focus from quantity to the limited ability to use existing terminals.
FAQs
What does "lack of terminals" mean in a business context?
In a business context, "lack of terminals" usually refers to an insufficient number of computer workstations or point-of-sale systems, which can hinder efficiency and customer service.
What are some synonyms for "lack of terminals"?
Synonyms include "shortage of terminals", "insufficient terminals", or "inadequate terminal supply". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.
How does "lack of terminals" affect computer-based exams?
"Lack of terminals" can create logistical challenges for schools administering computer-based exams, limiting the number of students who can test simultaneously and potentially requiring multiple testing sessions.
In what situations might a company experience a "lack of terminals"?
A company might face a "lack of terminals" due to rapid expansion, budget constraints, or unexpected equipment failure. This can lead to operational bottlenecks and decreased employee satisfaction.
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
88%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested