lacking everything

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacking everything" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition where someone or something is devoid of all necessary or desired elements. Example: "After the storm, the village was left lacking everything, from food to shelter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Not inaccurate, and lacking everything.

The Guardian - Books

Lacking everything but fervor, the rebels sought financing from Muslim militants abroad.

The New York Times

Clues to what she is referring to are ominously lacking: "Everything went wrong...I'll let you hear from somebody else".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Joanna wasn't thrilled when I suggested we check out this place because it was lacking everything she was searching for," Mr. Palumbo said.

The New York Times

Constitutional safeguards were indeed lacking; everything was at the emperor's discretion, and even Augustus passed legislation that made anti-imperial behaviour, real or suspected, treasonable (men were, in fact, executed for conspiracy during his reign).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Gonzales is president of the school's new parent-teacher organization, formed this summer after the state budget cuts left the school lacking everything from pencils to paper towels.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

They lack everything – shelter, food, medicine, clean water and sanitation.

The New York Times

"We lack everything: hospitals, food, medicine and drinking water.

The Guardian

It lacked everything we've worked on delivering and we know it.

The Guardian - Sport

"We played grotesquely badly," said the Germany international Julian Draxler, "we didn't challenge for any balls and lacked everything".

The Guardian - Sport

"We are now in a period of emergency in which we lack everything -- houses, food, health care," said Jose Alexandre Gusmao, the territory's de facto leader, last week.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lacking everything", ensure the context clearly indicates what is missing. Providing specific examples of the deficiencies enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "lacking everything" in overly casual or informal settings. Simpler alternatives might be more appropriate for everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacking everything" functions primarily as a descriptive element, often modifying a noun or noun phrase. It indicates a state of complete deficiency, emphasizing the absence of essential items or qualities. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lacking everything" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a state of complete deficiency. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and it is primarily found in news and media, formal business contexts, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide specific details regarding what is missing to ensure clarity and impact. While versatile, avoid overusing it in overly informal settings where simpler alternatives might suffice. Related phrases include "missing all necessities" and "devoid of every essential". Overall, "lacking everything" effectively conveys a sense of deprivation and is valuable in communicating situations of significant need.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

missing all necessities

Emphasizes the absence of essential needs or requirements.

devoid of every essential

Highlights the emptiness or absence of crucial components.

without any resources

Focuses on the absence of available supplies or means.

bereft of all possessions

Stresses the loss or absence of belongings or assets.

wanting in every respect

Indicates deficiency in multiple aspects or areas.

deficient in all areas

Highlights a lack of sufficiency or completeness across different domains.

needing absolutely everything

Emphasizes the complete dependence on external provision.

entirely without provisions

Focuses on the complete absence of supplies or arrangements.

completely lacking necessities

Underlines the total absence of essential requirements.

in absolute destitution

Implies a state of extreme poverty and deprivation.

FAQs

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

You can use "lacking everything" to describe a situation where something or someone is missing all essential elements. For example: "The refugee camp was "lacking everything", from food and water to medical supplies."

What are some alternatives to "lacking everything"?

Alternatives include "devoid of essentials", "bereft of all", or "missing all necessities". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "devoid of everything" or "lacking everything"?

"Devoid of everything" generally carries a more formal tone than "lacking everything". Use "devoid of everything" in academic or professional writing where a more elevated style is desired. Otherwise, "lacking everything" is perfectly acceptable in most contexts.

What's the difference between "lacking almost everything" and "lacking everything"?

"Lacking almost everything" implies that there might be a few minor things present, while ""lacking everything"" suggests a complete absence of all essential elements. Choose the phrase that most accurately reflects the degree of deficiency.