lacking confidence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacking confidence" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who has an inadequate sense of self-esteem or self-assurance. For example: He had trouble finding a job because he was feeling very lacking in confidence after his last experience in the work force.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So, how to transform these kids, many of whom are already lacking confidence, into relaxed, confident joke-tellers?

Huffington Post

A keeper lacking confidence contaminates the defence.

The Guardian - Sport

He's lacking confidence at the moment.

The Guardian - Sport

It's contraindicative to keep dropping a player for lacking confidence.

The Guardian - Sport

No one accuses Donovan Bailey of lacking confidence.

The New York Times - Sports

Asked if he was lacking confidence, Sabathia said, "Of course.

The New York Times - Sports

Keynesian governments try to restore the thing that badly performing economies are generally lacking: confidence.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This left workers feeling "alienated" and lacking confidence in safety procedures.

The Guardian - Tech

I think it was more a release from being shy, or lacking confidence.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"You can tell we're lacking confidence," defenseman Bryan Berard said of the penalty-killing unit.

The New York Times - Sports

"I feel it's really a bit wanky for me to go on about lacking confidence.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation where someone is "lacking confidence", consider adding specific details about how this lack of confidence manifests. For instance, instead of simply saying, "He was lacking confidence", try "He was lacking confidence, which made him hesitant to speak up in meetings".

Common error

Avoid using "lacking confidence" as a catch-all explanation for poor performance. Instead, dig deeper to identify the root causes of the lack of confidence, such as inadequate training, fear of failure, or negative feedback.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacking confidence" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a deficiency in self-assurance or self-belief. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

19%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

6%

HuffPost

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lacking confidence" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a state of insecurity or self-doubt. As Ludwig AI points out, it's widely used across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and general conversation. When using "lacking confidence", be specific about how this deficiency manifests. Consider alternatives such as "unassured" or "insecure" to fine-tune the nuance. Avoid using "lacking confidence" as a vague explanation; instead, explore the underlying reasons for this state. By understanding its proper usage and potential pitfalls, you can effectively communicate about this common human experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-doubting

Directly points to the internal questioning of one's own abilities.

unsure of oneself

Focuses on uncertainty and doubt regarding one's own capabilities or decisions.

insecure

Emphasizes feelings of vulnerability and anxiety about one's worth.

unassured

Focuses on the absence of assurance or certainty in oneself.

not self-assured

Simple negation of self-assurance, indicating a lack thereof.

diffident

Highlights a reserved and hesitant manner due to a lack of self-belief.

wanting in self-esteem

Specifically addresses the deficiency in positive self-regard.

exhibiting self-doubt

Describes the outward manifestation of internal doubts and insecurities.

feeling inadequate

Highlights the sensation of not being good enough.

timid

Implies a shy and easily intimidated nature, often stemming from a lack of confidence.

FAQs

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

You can use "lacking confidence" to describe a state of feeling insecure or unsure of oneself. For example, "She was "lacking confidence" before her presentation".

What are some alternative phrases for "lacking confidence"?

Alternatives include "unassured", "insecure", or "self-doubting", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "lacking confidence" or "not having confidence"?

"Lacking confidence" and "not having confidence" are largely interchangeable, but "lacking confidence" often sounds more concise and natural in many contexts.

What causes someone to be "lacking confidence"?

There can be numerous reasons why someone might be "lacking confidence", including past failures, negative feedback, lack of experience, or social anxiety.