Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
lacking efficiency
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "lacking efficiency" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a process, system, or individual that does not operate effectively or optimally. For example, "The current workflow is lacking efficiency, leading to delays in project completion." Alternative expressions include "inefficient," "not efficient," and "ineffectual."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(20)
ineffective performance
not up to standard
low in efficiency
poorly efficient
inefficient
suboptimal efficiency
underperforming
not very efficient
suboptimal performance
not very effective
wasteful
unproductive
resource-intensive
reduced efficiency
decreased effectiveness
diminished productivity
less than ideal performance
limited effectiveness
underperformance
deficient output
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
The study has shown that OTC voluntary carbon market is still at a dynamic developing stage characterised by the variety of standards, their lacking efficiency and legitimacy - despite the development of certification schemes in recent years.
Furthermore, the strongest effects of PM2.5 were found in subjects that were lacking efficiency in antioxidant responses due to the combination of the GSTM1 deletion and ≥ 25 microsatellite (GT n repeats in the HMOX-1 promoter.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
"Apparently, it was not the right moment because I lacked efficiency during that game [against Monaco].
News & Media
We only lacked efficiency". Italy beat Germany 4-1 in Florence, Alberto Gilardino, Luca Toni and Daniele De Rossi scoring before half-time.
News & Media
By starting the Fresh & Easy venture from scratch, rather than acquiring an existing business, the subsidiary lacked efficiency and failed to capitalise on an existing presence.
News & Media
Systems to assess the toxicity of materials used in human assisted reproduction currently lack efficiency and/or sufficient discriminatory power.
48, 541 550).. Despite being quite well-established, ZGL algorithm may lack efficiency, robustness and accuracy in certain situations, e.g., when special mesh pattern is applied.
Science
"When I analyse our games we have the same opportunities, sometimes more, but we lack efficiency.
News & Media
A graphical editor like PGM is easy to use but lacks efficiency.
These materials are constantly moving from producers to consumers in a global market worth about $80 billion, but it often lacks efficiency and transparency.
News & Media
This periodic integration lacks efficiency, especially in terms of data flow and communication at every step of the project life.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "lacking efficiency", clearly specify what is not performing efficiently. For example, instead of saying "the system is lacking efficiency", state "the system is lacking efficiency in data processing".
Common error
Avoid using "lacking efficiency" without providing context. Saying something "lacks efficiency" without specifying the area can make the statement vague and unactionable. Always clarify the specific process or aspect that needs improvement.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "lacking efficiency" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating a deficiency in the ability to avoid wasting materials, energy, efforts, money, and time in doing something or in producing a desired result. Ludwig AI confirms this usage in numerous contexts.
Frequent in
Science
41%
News & Media
39%
Formal & Business
20%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "lacking efficiency" serves to pinpoint deficits in processes, systems, or performances across various domains. Grammatically correct and neutrally toned, the phrase commonly appears in scientific and news contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that it's essential to provide specific context when using this phrase to avoid vagueness and ensure actionable insights. Alternatives such as "ineffective performance" or "suboptimal effectiveness" can offer nuanced perspectives, yet the core message remains consistent: an area requires improvement to optimize resource utilization and outcomes.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
ineffective performance
Replaces "lacking efficiency" with a focus on the quality of performance, suggesting it is not producing the desired results.
suboptimal effectiveness
Emphasizes that the level of effectiveness is below the ideal or desired standard.
deficient in productivity
Highlights the shortage in output or results achieved, specifying the lack in terms of productivity.
operating below par
Implies a failure to meet the expected or normal standard of operation, suggesting a temporary or correctable issue.
not up to standard
Indicates a failure to meet the required or expected level of quality or performance.
falling short on efficacy
Suggests that something isn't producing the intended result or effect, with a focus on the aspect of efficacy.
compromised functionality
Focuses on how the intended functions aren't fully or properly working, causing the outcome to "lack efficiency".
experiencing reduced output
Indicates a decrease in the quantity of results achieved, specifying this reduction.
showing limited capacity
Refers to the reduced ability or power to perform effectively, suggesting that there is something that impedes capacity.
suffering from unproductivity
Directly points to the inability to generate expected outcomes, with the term "unproductivity" being closely connected.
FAQs
How can I rephrase "lacking efficiency" in a sentence?
You can replace "lacking efficiency" with alternatives like "ineffective performance", "suboptimal effectiveness", or "deficient in productivity" depending on the context.
What does it mean when something is described as "lacking efficiency"?
When something is described as "lacking efficiency", it means it is not operating in the most effective or productive manner, often resulting in wasted resources, time, or effort.
Is it better to say "lacks efficiency" or "is inefficient"?
Both "lacks efficiency" and "is inefficient" are grammatically correct. "Lacks efficiency" is slightly more formal, while "is inefficient" is more direct. The best choice depends on the tone and style of your writing.
In what contexts is the phrase "lacking efficiency" commonly used?
The phrase "lacking efficiency" is commonly used in various contexts, including discussions about business processes, scientific methods, sports strategies, and technological systems.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested