lacking a reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacking a reply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there has been no response or answer to a question or statement. Example: "After sending several emails, I found myself still lacking a reply from the client."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nicholas convinced Jefferson that Kentucky should adopt a second set of resolutions affirming the first, lest the lack of a reply be seen acquiescence.

Wikipedia

Indeed, some studies have correlated a lack of a reply to such a question with a low economic status [ 37, 38].

BMC Public Health

I have no such fantasies,'" replied the man who lacked a conscience.

Los Angeles Times

Females lack a pouch.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It lacked a Nelson Mandela.

The New Yorker

It lacks a pickup.

Forbes

Slack still lacks quick-reply buttons, but has message buttons with associated actions.

TechCrunch

Zinke, rebuking Barragán for her lack of "courtesy," replied by waving a copy of a reply that he said had been addressed to the top Democrat on the committee.

The Washington Post

However, the reception of a reply packet is not certain in the above works due to lack of synchronization between the sender and receiver nodes.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

For the sender, you don't know whether the lack of reply is really a 'no', a never got read, or a just wait some more time for an answer.

TechCrunch

"It is the opinion of this committee that your force lacks competence," Vaz replied.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lacking a reply", ensure the context clearly indicates what is missing the reply. For example, specify the sender, request, or situation to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "lacking a reply" in casual conversation; opt for simpler alternatives like "didn't answer" or "no response" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacking a reply" functions as a descriptive element, often acting as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the state of something not having received a response. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lacking a reply" is grammatically correct but shows a lack of frequent examples. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. It serves to describe the absence of a response in a given context. While versatile, the best practice is to ensure the context is clear about what is missing the reply. When possible, you can use alternative phrases such as ""without a response"" or ""no answer received"". As stated by Ludwig, the phrase is valid. The register is neutral to formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Without a response

Emphasizes the absence of any response.

No answer received

Highlights the absence of an answer.

Awaiting a response

Focuses on the expectation of a future reply that has not yet arrived.

Reply not yet provided

Formally indicates that a reply has not been given.

Response outstanding

Indicates that a response is still pending or overdue.

No feedback given

Specifically refers to the absence of feedback.

Absent any reply

Highlights a complete absence of a reply.

Silence in response

Emphasizes the lack of communication as silence.

Without acknowledgment

Focuses on the lack of recognition or acknowledgement.

No communication received

Broadly indicates the absence of any form of communication.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "lacking a reply"?

You can use alternatives such as "without a response", "no answer received", or "awaiting a response" depending on the context.

What does it mean when something is "lacking a reply"?

It means that no response or answer has been received in response to a question, message, or request. The phrase indicates an absence of communication.

Is it appropriate to use "lacking a reply" in formal writing?

Yes, "lacking a reply" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing a situation where a response was expected but not received. However, consider the specific context and audience to determine if a simpler alternative might be more effective.

What's the difference between "lacking a reply" and "without a response"?

While both phrases convey the absence of a reply, "lacking a reply" may imply a deficiency or need for a response, whereas ""without a response"" simply states the absence of one.