lacking energy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacking energy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that appears to have low vitality or enthusiasm. Example: "After a long week of work, I felt completely lacking energy and struggled to stay awake during the movie."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Lacking energy Adland's bitter feud China's gas guzzler Reprints.

The Economist

For a team that has been criticized for perhaps lacking energy, the Orange looked inspired.

The New York Times - Sports

The Lakers played like it, lacking energy early and urgency late.

The New York Times - Sports

They would sit motionless and speechless all day in their chairs, totally lacking energy, impetus, initiative, motive, appetite or desire.

The Guardian - Books

Lacking energy Adland's bitter feud China's gas guzzler ReprintsTwo episodes in particular shook public confidence in Telstra under Ziggy Switkowski, Mr Trujillo's Australian predecessor, who quit last December.

The Economist

Lacking energy Adland's bitter feud China's gas guzzler ReprintsSince its flotation in 2001, CNOOC has earned a reputation as one of China's best managed firms.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

However, ceramic materials are lacking energy-dissipating phenomenon, which causes them to fail in a catastrophic fashion, i.e. makes them unforgiving.

Ceramic-Matrix Composites Microstructure, Properties and Applications

The team lacked energy.

The Guardian - Sport

They lack energy.

The Guardian - Opinion

He said he lacked energy and passion.

The New York Times - Sports

They looked flat and lacked energy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a state of being "lacking energy", consider the specific context to choose the most accurate synonym. For example, "lethargic" might be more appropriate when describing a medical condition, while "drained" could suit a temporary feeling after intense work.

Common error

Avoid simply stating someone is "lacking energy" without providing context or specific details. Instead, elaborate on how this lack manifests, such as "lacking the energy to focus" or "lacking the energy for social activities".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacking energy" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of reduced vitality or vigor. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a valid and commonly used expression in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lacking energy" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to describe a state of fatigue or reduced vitality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and common phrase in English. It functions as an adjective phrase and is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports to scientific articles. While synonyms like "feeling drained" or "totally exhausted" exist, "lacking energy" provides a clear and neutral way to convey this state. It's important to provide context when using the phrase to enhance clarity and avoid vague descriptions. It's considered neutral in register, with high occurrences in News & Media and Science.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling drained

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of depletion and exhaustion.

feeling lethargic

This alternative highlights a state of sluggishness and inactivity.

feeling enervated

This alternative suggests a reduction in vitality and strength.

low on vitality

This alternative focuses on the reduced level of life force or vigor.

without pep

This alternative uses a more informal and vivid term for energy.

devoid of vigor

This alternative emphasizes the absence of physical strength and good health.

running on fumes

This alternative suggests operating with minimal reserves.

totally exhausted

This alternative emphasizes the extreme level of tiredness.

completely knackered

A more informal alternative that indicates total fatigue.

spent

A concise alternative that describes being completely used up.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone is "lacking energy"?

Saying someone is "lacking energy" means they are feeling tired, unmotivated, or have a reduced capacity to perform physical or mental activities. It suggests a depletion of their usual vigor and enthusiasm.

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

You can use "lacking energy" to describe a person's state, such as "After the illness, she was "lacking energy" to complete her daily tasks". You could also describe inanimate objects, but it's less common.

What are some alternatives to saying "lacking energy"?

You can use alternatives like "feeling drained", "feeling lethargic", or "totally exhausted" depending on the specific context and the intensity of the feeling.

Is it better to say "low energy" or "lacking energy"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "lacking energy" may sound slightly more formal. "Low energy" is generally more common in everyday conversation, while "lacking energy" can be used in more descriptive or clinical contexts.