lack of will

USAGE SUMMARY

"lack of will" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to the absence of motivation or intention. For example, "John's lack of will to excel in his studies was evident in his poor grades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But it suffers from lack of will and money.

The New Yorker

Carmelo Anthony was especially conspicuous in his lack of will.

The New Yorker

It is not a question of lack of will".

The New York Times

"There was no lack of will," she said.

The New York Times

"Lack of will" is a peculiar diagnosis for a man producing an outburst like that.

The New Yorker

The delay is not the fault of department officials but ministerial lack of will, Chubb argues.

The Guardian

But if the rhetoric is remotely true, it can't be a lack of will.

The New York Times

But Babu said there was a lack of will to change within the police service.

The Guardian

"This action demonstrates a clear lack of will on the employers' part to reach an agreement".

The New York Times

"There is no lack of will to win over here," he said.

The New York Times

Indeed, our indifference to desegregation is a collective failure and reflects a profound lack of will.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lack of will" when referring to an absence of intention or motivation, rather than a lack of ability or resources.

Common error

Avoid using "lack of will" when the situation actually involves a "lack of resources" or opportunity. Someone might want to do something (have the will) but be unable to due to external constraints.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of will" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the absence of motivation, determination, or intention. Ludwig provides examples where it highlights deficiencies in commitment or resolve. For example, "The delay is not the fault of department officials but ministerial lack of will, Chubb argues."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Academia

11%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lack of will" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that signifies the absence of motivation or intention. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. While versatile, it's essential to ensure the context clarifies the object of the lacking will and to distinguish it from a "lack of capacity" or resources. The phrase sees common usage in news, academic writing, and formal business communications. Be careful not to confuse the expression for an actual "lack of skill".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of willingness

This alternative emphasizes the absence of a positive inclination or readiness to do something.

lack of determination

This phrase focuses on the absence of resolve and firmness in pursuing a goal.

absence of volition

This alternative highlights the lack of conscious choice or decision-making power.

failure of resolve

This phrase suggests a breakdown or deficiency in one's determination.

lack of motivation

This option points to the absence of an internal drive or incentive to act.

weakness of purpose

This alternative implies a deficiency in having clear goals or objectives.

absence of commitment

This phrase indicates a deficiency in dedication or obligation toward something.

lack of drive

This alternative emphasizes the absence of energy and ambition to pursue something.

failure to act

This option highlights a deficiency in taking action or initiating something.

passivity

This is a single-word alternative referring to the state of not participating actively.

FAQs

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

You can use "lack of will" to describe an absence of motivation or intention. For example: "The project failed due to a "lack of will" from the team to collaborate effectively."

What's a more formal alternative to "lack of will"?

In more formal contexts, you might consider using phrases like "absence of volition" or "failure of resolve" instead of "lack of will". These alternatives offer a slightly more elevated tone.

Is it correct to say "there is a lack of will" or "there is lack of will"?

The correct phrasing is "there is a lack of will". The indefinite article "a" is necessary because "lack of will" is being used as a noun phrase.

What's the difference between "lack of will" and "lack of willingness"?

"Lack of will" generally refers to a deeper, more fundamental absence of intention or resolve. "Lack of willingness" might suggest a reluctance or disinclination, but not necessarily a complete absence of motivation.