lacking discipline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacking discipline" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that does not exhibit self-control or adherence to rules and standards. Example: "The team's performance suffered due to several players lacking discipline during practice sessions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

West, though, lacking discipline, removed to two no-trump.

The New York Times

It was lacking discipline, and I was always a big believer in discipline.

The New York Times

He is regarded as one of the best young talents in France but he has been criticised for lacking discipline.

The Guardian - Sport

Assemblyman Rory Lancman, a Queens Democrat, said, "The way he handled this process feeds into the perception of him lacking discipline".

The New York Times

The northern (beiyang) navy was less powerful than it appeared, lacking discipline, unified command, and the necessary equipment of a modern navy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In Paris, there are endless encounters with the principles associated with Apollonian beauty — order, rationality, harmony, restraint — reminding us of the remarkable civilization of Greece, rather than something darker, lacking discipline, unbridled, violent.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Still, the group lacked discipline.

The New Yorker

"I think it lacks discipline".

The New York Times

He lacks discipline.

The Guardian - Opinion

The entire team, defense included, lacked discipline.

The New York Times - Sports

"You lack discipline!" Arnold barked.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lacking discipline", consider the specific context. Is it a person, a team, a process, or an organization that lacks discipline? Clarify the subject to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "lacking discipline" as a catch-all phrase. Be specific about what kind of discipline is missing. For example, instead of saying "the team is lacking discipline", specify "the team is lacking discipline in adhering to the game plan".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacking discipline" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying nouns to describe a deficiency in self-control, order, or adherence to standards. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

18%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lacking discipline" is a common and grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to describe a deficiency in order, self-control, or adherence to rules. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and wikis. While applicable in neutral settings, it is crucial to provide specific details on what area requires more discipline, in order to avoid overgeneralizations and provide accurate and meaningful assessments. Alternative phrases like "undisciplined", "without self-control", or "unruly" offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas, enhancing the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undisciplined

Direct synonym emphasizing the absence of discipline as a characteristic.

without self-control

Focuses on the absence of personal restraint and regulation.

unruly

Suggests a lack of control leading to disruptive behavior.

lax

Implies a looseness or carelessness in maintaining standards.

deficient in regulation

Highlights the inadequacy of rules or systems to maintain order.

wanting in order

Emphasizes the absence of systematic arrangement or structure.

weak on enforcement

Focuses on the ineffectiveness of measures taken to ensure compliance.

negligent in governance

Suggests a failure to adequately manage or oversee operations.

remiss in oversight

Highlights a lack of attentiveness to detail and supervision.

out of control

Describes a situation that has spiraled beyond the ability to manage it effectively.

FAQs

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

You can use "lacking discipline" to describe a person, group, or system that doesn't follow rules or maintain order. For instance, "The project failed because it was "lacking discipline" and organization."

What are some alternatives to "lacking discipline"?

Alternatives include "undisciplined", "without self-control", or "unruly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "lack discipline" or "lacking discipline"?

"Lack discipline" is a verb phrase, while "lacking discipline" is an adjective phrase. The best choice depends on the sentence structure. For example, "They lack discipline" versus "They are "lacking discipline"."

What does it mean when someone is described as "lacking discipline"?

It typically means they struggle to follow rules, maintain focus, or control their behavior. The specific implications depend on the context, such as a student "lacking discipline" in studies or a team "lacking discipline" on the field.