lack of wisdom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lack of wisdom" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or behavior where someone is perceived to be lacking in good judgment or insight. Example: "His decision to invest in that failing company was a clear indication of his lack of wisdom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

You have a real lack of wisdom".

The New York Times

There is childishness, stupidity, lack of wisdom, fantasies".

The Guardian

"I might hold it, God willing that Kodak sees its lack of wisdom".

The New York Times

And I feel shame, too, at the horrific lack of wisdom, at the criminal abandonment of duty, by David Cameron.

The Guardian

The Mail's journalists, whether old hands and new recruits, will surely be wondering at their editor's lack of wisdom.

The Guardian

So Japan's troubles are a reminder of the lack of wisdom with which the world is usually governed.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Most lists of motivational quotes are dominated by the counsel of men, and it certainly isn't because women lack words of wisdom.

HuffPost

"Joe Biden is Vladimir Putin's contribution to American politics - he is a necessary antidote to the Obama lack of worldly wisdom," he wrote.

The Guardian

Exhibiting an ingenuousness and lack of worldly wisdom, he became a tool in the hands of John of Gaunt (1340 99), Duke of Lancaster and a younger son of Edward III, who, from motives less scrupulous than those of Wycliffe, was opposed to the wealth and power of the clergy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even in the second half, which ended so despondently, Arsenal more than matched Dortmund but the lack of street wisdom Wenger noted let them down.

BBC

Gregory Bateson, the anthropologist and cybernetic systems theorist, warned that "lack of systemic wisdom is always punished".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lack of wisdom", consider the specific aspect of lacking wisdom you want to emphasize. For instance, if you mean a lack of foresight, use "shortsightedness" instead. If you mean a lack of information, use "ignorance".

Common error

While "lack of wisdom" is acceptable, it can sometimes sound too blunt in formal writing. Opt for more nuanced alternatives like "imprudence" or "shortsightedness" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of wisdom" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is suitable for describing a situation, decision, or action considered unwise. For example, "The treatment meted out on Lee in particular, not least by Harmison, showed the "lack of wisdom" inherent in banging the ball in."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

HuffPost

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lack of wisdom" is a common phrase used to express a deficiency in sound judgment or understanding. As stated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct. It frequently appears in news and media, often to critique decisions or policies. While versatile, consider context-specific alternatives like "foolishness" or "poor judgment" for nuanced expression. When writing, be mindful of the tone and adjust your word choice for formal or informal settings, as more appropriate. The most common authoritative source is the New York Times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poor judgment

Directly states the deficiency in decision-making ability.

imprudence

Highlights the lack of caution or good judgment.

folly

Implies a lack of good sense or normal prudence and foresight.

foolishness

Refers more directly to the quality of being silly or unwise.

stupidity

Indicates a lack of intelligence or understanding.

shortsightedness

Focuses on the inability to see or plan for the future.

naivete

Highlights a lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment.

unreasonableness

Emphasizes the absence of logic and rationality.

silliness

Suggests a lack of seriousness or good sense.

ignorance

Refers to a lack of knowledge or information.

FAQs

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

You can use "lack of wisdom" to describe actions, decisions, or policies that demonstrate poor judgment. For example, "The company's decision to ignore market trends showed a clear lack of wisdom."

What are some alternatives to "lack of wisdom"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "foolishness", "folly", or "poor judgment".

Is it better to say "absence of wisdom" or "lack of wisdom"?

"Lack of wisdom" is more common and generally preferred in most contexts. "Absence of wisdom" can sound more formal and philosophical.

What is the difference between "lack of wisdom" and "lack of knowledge"?

"Lack of knowledge" refers to not having information, while "lack of wisdom" implies a failure to apply knowledge or experience effectively. One can have knowledge but still exhibit a "lack of wisdom".