lack of traction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lack of traction" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe that something doesn't seem to be gaining any attention, momentum, or success. For example: "The new product launch has unfortunately had a lack of traction in the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

A lack of traction could prove important.

The New York Times

"I've been incredibly frustrated by the lack of traction.

The New Yorker

Several times this sudden lack of traction was accompanied by a worrisome "thud" from the drivetrain.

The New York Times

But he questioned whether the news media was to blame for his lack of traction.

The New York Times

Yet some things — like an ESPN-branded phone — have already come and gone for lack of traction.

The New York Times

Of course, in many ways, the sport is defined by its lack of traction, at least when bouncers are airborne.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Despite the brilliant moments, there is a fundamental lack of dramatic traction here and the surrealism creates an inert flabbiness in its already chaotic story.

The Guardian - Film

We may dismiss the opinions of all sorts of counsellors and therapists, secure in the knowledge that their very multifariousness is indicative of their lack of overall traction, but psychiatry, dealing, as it claims, with well-defined maladies – and treating them with drugs and hospitalisation – exerts an enormous pull on our collective self-image.

The Guardian

In response to the lack of enterprise traction Box recently hired ex-EMC seasoned exec Whitney Tidmarsh who is trying to ramp up their enterprise business.

Forbes

Furthermore, shifting to crops is difficult due to a shortage of labour lack of sufficient traction animals, and unreliable rainfall to cultivate crops.

Pastoralism

When startups commit suicide, often the root problem can be traced back to a lack of product traction — it's rare to find people willingly quitting companies with exploding metrics.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a new product's performance, use "lack of traction" to succinctly convey its failure to gain market acceptance or customer interest. For example, "Despite initial marketing efforts, the product suffered from a lack of traction with younger demographics."

Common error

Avoid using "lack of traction" when referring to literal physical grip, like with tires on a road. Instead, phrases like "poor grip" or "slippage" are more appropriate. Reserve "lack of traction" for figurative situations involving momentum or progress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of traction" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the absence of momentum, progress, or engagement. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its usage in various contexts, confirming its role in indicating deficiency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lack of traction" is a grammatically sound and widely used noun phrase, effectively conveying the absence of momentum or progress. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts. Its prevalence in news, science, and business domains highlights its versatility. When writing, remember to use it in figurative contexts relating to momentum or progress, not for literal physical grip. Alternatives like "absence of progress" and "limited momentum" can provide nuanced variations. In summary, "lack of traction" is a valuable phrase for expressing concern about stalled progress or limited success.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absence of progress

Emphasizes the standstill or absence of forward movement.

limited momentum

Highlights the restricted or weak driving force behind an activity or project.

insufficient grip

Focuses on the failure to establish a firm hold or influence.

poor market penetration

Specifically refers to the inability to effectively enter or succeed in a market.

failure to gain ground

Stresses the inability to advance or improve position.

stagnant growth

Highlights the absence of development or expansion.

limited adoption

Focuses on the slow or restricted acceptance of an idea, product, or technology.

waning influence

Emphasizes the decline in persuasive power or impact.

weak engagement

Highlights low levels of participation or interest.

inadequate adhesion

Focuses on the lack of proper connection or support.

FAQs

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

Use "lack of traction" to describe a situation where something is not gaining momentum or success. For instance, "The political campaign suffered from a lack of traction among undecided voters."

What are some alternatives to "lack of traction"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "absence of progress", "limited momentum", or "insufficient grip".

Is it appropriate to use "lack of traction" in formal writing?

Yes, "lack of traction" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in business, academic, and news contexts. Its use conveys a professional tone while indicating a deficiency in progress or influence.

What does it mean when a project has a "lack of traction"?

It means the project is not gaining the necessary momentum, support, or progress to be successful. This could be due to various factors, such as poor planning, market conditions, or ineffective marketing.