lack of work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lack of work" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where there is not enough work available, or when someone is experiencing a shortage of work opportunities. Example: Due to the economic downturn, there is a significant lack of work in the manufacturing industry, resulting in many employees being laid off.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

In most cases, lack of work.

The Guardian

"There's no lack of work ethic," he said.

The New Yorker

A lack of work experience is often a crucial factor".

Independent

Lack of work is the main reason these movements can recruit young people.

The Guardian

"Not for a lack of knowledge, but for a lack of work.

The New York Times - Sports

Valentine does not believe the subpar performance is from lack of work.

The New York Times - Sports

"I know it's not because of lack of work," Thomas said.

The New York Times - Sports

There is no lack of work, repairing engines, keeping watch, moving cars if police turn up.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

A lack of work-life balance is a common issue among entrepreneurs and the self-employed.

The Guardian

I failed to mention my boisterous children, my lack of work-life balance and my own family squabbles.

The Guardian

"There isn't any lack of work-rate from this group.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing economic conditions, use "lack of work" to highlight the impact on individuals and communities. For example, "The "lack of work" in the region has led to increased poverty rates."

Common error

Avoid attributing "lack of work" solely to individual laziness. While effort is important, systemic issues like economic downturns often create a genuine scarcity of jobs. "Lack of work" refers to the absence of available employment opportunities, not necessarily an individual's willingness to work.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of work" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the absence or insufficiency of available employment or tasks, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lack of work" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe situations where there are insufficient job opportunities. Ludwig AI indicates it is widely accepted, and is used frequently across various fields, especially in News & Media. It is important to differentiate "lack of work" (absence of jobs) from "lack of work ethic" (individual unwillingness to work). When writing, consider the context to ensure accurate and nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scarcity of employment

Emphasizes the limited availability of jobs.

shortage of jobs

Highlights a deficiency in available job positions.

joblessness

Focuses on the state of being without a job.

unemployment

Refers to the condition of being out of work and actively seeking employment.

limited work opportunities

Highlights that the opportunities are not absent, but few.

dearth of employment

Uses 'dearth' to express a severe lack of job openings.

insufficiency of work

Indicates not enough work to meet the demand or need.

underemployment

Describes a situation where people are employed in jobs below their skill level or capacity.

limited job prospects

Focuses on the future outlook for finding employment.

a work deficit

Presents the lack of work as a measurable deficit.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "lack of work" in a sentence?

You can use "lack of work" to describe situations where there are insufficient job opportunities, such as "The primary reason for the migration was the "lack of work" in their hometown."

What are some alternatives to saying "lack of work"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "scarcity of employment", "shortage of jobs", or "unemployment".

Is it correct to say "a lack of work" or "lack of work"?

Both are generally correct. "Lack of work" is more common, while "a lack of work" can be used for emphasis or when referring to a specific instance or situation.

What is the difference between "lack of work" and "lack of work ethic"?

"Lack of work" refers to the absence of available job opportunities. "Lack of work ethic", on the other hand, describes an individual's disinclination to work hard or diligently. The former is an economic issue, while the latter is a character trait.