lacking character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacking character" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that is perceived as dull, uninteresting, or without distinctive qualities. Example: "The movie was entertaining, but the characters were lacking character, making it hard to connect with them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Chicken alla Enzo, equally tender but lacking character, featured a cutlet rolled with almost imperceptible bits of prosciutto and cheese.

The New York Times

Brown turned the tables on those who accuse him of lacking character by insisting that the past 18 months had been a period demanding the "greatest test of character" as the country was brought through a "dreadful" economic storm.

The Guardian

Ingrid Seward, the editor in chief of Majesty, a glossy magazine that chronicles the activities of the royal family, said Ms. Mantel's remark about the duchess's lacking character missed the point.

The New York Times

AFC Wimbledon manager Neal Ardley has criticised his side for lacking character following their 4-0 defeat at home to Southend.

BBC

Erdogan accused Oezdemir of lacking character and playing "a leading role in accusing his own country of genocide".

Los Angeles Times

Some viewers found it predictable, slow-paced and lacking character development, and felt the beginning of the episode needed to better explain the situation and setting.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Lacking narrative, lacking drama, lacking characters, "Voyage of Time" can be easily assimilated to the realm of experimental film.

The New Yorker

A serving of pappardelle Bolognese lacked character.

The New York Times

And the orchestra's playing lacked character.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Basner felt the Milan lacked character.

The New York Times

"Modern cars lack character," Mr. Zambrano said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character in a story, use "lacking character" to highlight their underdevelopment or failure to resonate with the audience. Avoid overusing this phrase; instead, provide specific details to illustrate the character's deficiencies.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "lacking character" with "having bad character". The former means something is dull or uninteresting, while the latter implies moral deficiency or negative traits.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacking character" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun to describe its deficiency in distinctiveness or personality. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in describing food, performances, and even buildings that are considered dull or uninspired. Ludwig AI validates this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lacking character" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe something or someone that is uninteresting, bland, or without distinctive qualities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is commonly found in news and media, and its purpose is primarily evaluative, expressing a negative judgment. When using this phrase, ensure it is not confused with "having bad character", which implies moral deficiency. Alternatives include "devoid of personality", "without substance", and "bland and unremarkable".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking in distinctiveness

This emphasizes the absence of unique or special qualities.

devoid of personality

This alternative emphasizes the absence of a distinct and engaging personality.

without substance

This highlights the lack of depth or meaningful content.

bland and unremarkable

This suggests a lack of interesting or memorable qualities.

uninspired

This focuses on the absence of creativity or originality.

flat and lifeless

This evokes a sense of being dull and unexciting.

ordinary and unexceptional

This suggests a lack of noteworthy or outstanding features.

without depth

This emphasizes the absence of complexity or profound meaning.

colorless

This conveys a lack of vibrancy or visual interest.

unoriginal

This points to a lack of new or unique ideas.

FAQs

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

You can use "lacking character" to describe something or someone that is perceived as dull, uninteresting, or without distinctive qualities. For example, "The performance was technically proficient but "lacking character", leaving the audience unmoved."

What can I say instead of "lacking character"?

You can use alternatives like "devoid of personality", "without substance", or "bland and unremarkable" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "lacking character" or "lacks character"?

"Lacking character" is typically used as an adjective phrase, while "lacks character" is a verb phrase. For instance, "The room was "lacking character"" (adjective phrase), versus "The room "lacks character"" (verb phrase).

What's the difference between "lacking character" and "eccentric"?

"Lacking character" implies a lack of unique or interesting qualities, while "eccentric" suggests having unusual or unconventional qualities. They are near opposites; one describes a void, the other, a peculiarity.