lacking capabilities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacking capabilities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or entity that does not possess the necessary skills, resources, or features to perform a task or function effectively. Example: "The software is currently lacking capabilities to handle large datasets efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

They generally express understanding their parents' attitudes, and state that it was not caused by unwillingness but by lacking capabilities (Cf. Louie, 2012).

Comparative Migration Studies

At this particular point in history, Chinese companies are relatively rich in cash, but relatively poor in international management capabilities – notably lacking capabilities to restructure a struggling business in another country.

Forbes

To offset lacking capabilities on knowledge gains, actors tend to pursue others with more knowledgeable expertise than themselves (Frank et al. 2011), who mostly come from external links such as government institutions (Isaac et al. 2007).

Journal of Economic Structures

Experience to date, suggests that if health systems are lacking capabilities in key areas such as the health workforce, drug supply, health financing, and information systems, they may not be able to respond adequately even if there was an increased in funding and technical support.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It was cumbersome to use, lacking capability.

BBC

When Apple first released the iPhone, it lacked capabilities to link up securely with corporate e-mail systems.

The New York Times - Tech

While there are commercial instruments available for on-line monitoring with HPLC, they lack capabilities in many key areas.

Analytica Chimica Acta

So I don't think it makes a convincing case that we somehow lack capabilities.

Huffington Post

Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security has the authority but lacks capability.

The Washington Post

European militaries also lacked capability to refuel their own planes or conduct adequate surveillance from the air.

The Washington Post

A few weeks later, I quit my job, and not because I lacked capability.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lacking capabilities", clearly specify what capabilities are missing to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The team is lacking capabilities", specify, "The team is lacking capabilities in data analysis."

Common error

Avoid using "lacking capabilities" without specifying the context. Saying something generally "lacks capabilities" is vague and doesn't provide useful information. Always clarify what specific capabilities are absent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacking capabilities" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes something as being deficient in the necessary skills, resources, or features needed for a particular purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lacking capabilities" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe a deficiency in skills, resources, or features. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness. It's most frequently used in science, news, and formal business contexts. When using the phrase, it's best to specify the exact capabilities that are missing to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "deficient in skills" and "insufficient abilities". While "lacking capabilities" is generally correct, providing specific context ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deficient in skills

This alternative directly points to the absence of necessary skills.

insufficient abilities

This phrase emphasizes the inadequacy of one's abilities.

without the means

This highlights the absence of necessary resources or tools.

unable to perform

Focuses on the inability to execute specific tasks.

ill-equipped

Suggests a lack of preparation or suitable equipment.

wanting in capacity

This stresses a shortage of overall potential or capacity.

limited in competence

Emphasizes restricted competence or proficiency.

devoid of skill

Highlights a complete absence of particular skill.

bereft of talent

This alternative emphasizes a lack of natural aptitude or talent.

resource-poor

Highlights a scarcity of essential resources.

FAQs

How can I use "lacking capabilities" in a sentence?

You can use "lacking capabilities" to describe a person, team, or system that does not possess the necessary skills, resources, or features to perform a task effectively. For example, "The new software is "lacking capabilities" to efficiently handle large datasets."

What are some alternatives to "lacking capabilities"?

Alternatives include "deficient in skills", "insufficient abilities", or "without the means", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "lacking capability" or "lacking capabilities"?

"Lacking capabilities" is generally preferred because it emphasizes the absence of multiple skills or resources. "Lacking capability" can be used when referring to a single, specific ability that is missing.

What does it mean when something is described as "lacking capabilities"?

It means that the entity being described does not possess the necessary skills, resources, or features to perform a specific function or task effectively. This could refer to anything from a software program to a team of people.