lacking documentation

USAGE SUMMARY

"lacking documentation" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that does not have enough or any written evidence or records to support it. Example: The company's new software program has been criticized for lacking documentation on its features and user instructions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But New York also has several systems in place to insure many immigrants, even those lacking documentation.

The New York Times

Despite the contention that Ernst & Young officials knew of the fraud, the new Cendant complaint says that CUC officials "were careful not to place E.& Y. in the awkward position of knowing too much or lacking documentation for its audits.

The New York Times

A DHS official confirmed that while immigration agents were targeting criminals, given the broader range defined by Trump's executive order, they also were sweeping up noncriminals in the vicinity who were found to be lacking documentation.

The Washington Post

In the book the Coandă-1910 Coandă-1910d as an unsuccessful ducted fan aiscraft lacking describedtion to substastiane any flight test.

Wikipedia

The game was criticized by the South China Morning Post for lacking documentation, making it more difficult to learn how to play the game.

Wikipedia

26 An additional limitation is that the medical record, typically, is lacking documentation on what the clinician was thinking at the time the diagnosis was being considered.

BMJ Quality and Safety

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Collectors would also be prohibited from collecting on debt that lacks documentation.

The Guardian

Three fake cards were confiscated, while 10 other workers lacked documentation.

The New York Times

Haitian officials say Ms. Silsby lacked documentation to take custody of and travel with the children.

The New York Times

Some plaintiffs' lawyers are rankled by complaints about claims because they lack documentation.

The New York Times

Phrase it however you want -- "immigration status," "suspects who lack documentation" -- it is still illegal, and therefore criminal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lacking documentation", specify what kind of documentation is missing to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "the claim is lacking documentation", specify "the claim is lacking financial documentation".

Common error

Avoid using "lacking documentation" as a blanket statement without specifying the type of documentation needed. This can weaken your argument and leave room for misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacking documentation" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase describes something that does not have enough written evidence or records to support it. This is shown in the examples where it describes claims, aircraft, or medical records.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lacking documentation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression indicating a deficiency or absence of supporting records or evidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to highlight inadequacy across diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and wiki content. While alternatives exist, such as "unsubstantiated" or "unverified", the key is to specify the type of documentation missing to maintain clarity. Avoiding overgeneralization and ensuring specificity will lead to more effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without substantiating evidence

Highlights the absence of proof or verification for a claim or statement.

unsupported by records

Emphasizes that there are no official records to back up the information.

devoid of paperwork

Focuses on the absence of formal documents or administrative forms.

deficient in proof

Indicates a shortage of evidence to support a particular claim or argument.

missing credentials

Emphasizes a absence of qualifying documents.

unverified

Directly states the lack of confirmation or validation.

without proper authorization

Highlights that action wasn't officially approved.

lacking validation

Points out the absence of an official confirmation process.

unauthenticated

Emphasizes the absence of proof of validity.

unsubstantiated

Highlights not being backed up by fact.

FAQs

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

You can use "lacking documentation" to describe situations where there is insufficient or no evidence. For example, "The project proposal was rejected due to "lacking documentation" to support its feasibility."

What are some alternatives to "lacking documentation"?

Alternatives include "unsubstantiated", "unverified", or "unsupported by records", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "lacks documentation" or "lacking documentation"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "lacks documentation" is a verb phrase (e.g., "The report lacks documentation"), while "lacking documentation" is an adjective phrase (e.g., "The report, lacking documentation, was rejected").

What's the difference between ""lacking documentation"" and "incomplete documentation"?

"Lacking documentation" means there is no documentation at all, while "incomplete documentation" means there is some documentation, but it is not sufficient.