lack of worth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lack of worth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that is perceived to have no value or significance. Example: "The constant criticism led to a growing sense of lack of worth in her professional abilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Why should age be associated with lack of worth, absence of creativity and value?

The Guardian

For Sandor Clegane, family and homes are concepts to be bitterly rejected, after he learnt their lack of worth at far too young an age.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The most withering and sharp-tongued offerings concern poorly written papers ("Some journal with a low impact factor will be happy to take that"), viva pep talk ("Don't worry, you can still get a job as a sales rep"), and your general lack of worth in the field to which you have dedicated your life ("Oh sorry, I'm not aware of your work").

The Guardian

She said: "We've lost some good soldiers recently through lack of morale and we feel just a lack of worth really.

BBC

Instead of seeing like a moral failing or a testament to your lack of worth or capability, appreciate that you were willing to take risks and try new things, and move forward with even more wisdom about what you do and don't care about, and what does and doesn't work for your life.

Forbes

He exchanges a look with his wife that is both knowing and somewhat patronizing, as though his ignorance of the piece proved its lack of worth.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

That's when it all started to fall into place and I started to look at what had changed in my life and my lack of self worth as a woman and how it's changed and turned into more self worth as I've gotten older.

Huffington Post

Maybe lack of self worth, fear, feeling like a fraud... really it comes down to lack of self worth.

Huffington Post

"It makes the lack of sleep worth it".

The New York Times

It is both shocking and outrageous that the Royal Opera, a company of supposed international standards and standing, should be putting on a new opera of such wretchedness and lack of musical worth.

The Guardian - Music

Is the lack of commercials worth the price we are paying?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lack of worth", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being devalued. Providing specific examples enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "lack of worth" to describe temporary feelings of sadness or disappointment. This phrase is best reserved for situations involving a fundamental or persistent devaluation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of worth" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the state or condition of something not possessing value or importance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lack of worth" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that effectively conveys the absence of value or importance. Ludwig AI supports its validity, and the analysis reveals its presence in news, media, and scientific contexts. To enrich your writing, you can consider alternatives like "absence of value" or "worthlessness", adapting your choice based on the specific nuance you aim to express. Be mindful of the context, and avoid using this phrase to describe transient emotions or fleeting setbacks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absence of value

Replaces "lack" with "absence", emphasizing the non-existence of value.

devoid of merit

Focuses on the absence of positive qualities or achievements.

worthlessness

A single-word synonym emphasizing the state of having no value.

absence of importance

Directly states the lack of significance.

lack of importance

Focuses on the absence of importance.

insignificance

Highlights the lack of importance or consequence.

without merit

Emphasizes the absence of deservingness or commendation.

emptiness of value

Emphasizes the hollowness or absence where value should be.

paltry value

Implies the existence of only a small or insignificant amount of value.

limited worth

Highlights a restricted degree of value.

FAQs

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

You can use "lack of worth" to describe something or someone perceived as having no value or significance. For example: "The economic downturn created a widespread "lack of worth" in previously stable industries."

What are some alternatives to "lack of worth"?

Alternatives include "absence of value", "worthlessness", or "insignificance", depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "lack of worth" is suitable for formal writing when describing a genuine absence of value or importance. However, consider the emotional impact and choose alternatives if necessary.

How does "lack of worth" differ from "lack of value"?

"Lack of worth" and "lack of value" are often interchangeable. However, "worth" can sometimes imply a more inherent or intrinsic quality, while "value" may refer to a more assigned or perceived quality.