lacking evidence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacking evidence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to imply that the available evidence is insufficient to establish something. For example, "The prosecutor's case was lacking evidence, so the judge ultimately decided to acquit the defendant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Meadows isn't the only athlete here lacking evidence of that.

The Guardian - Sport

However, causal explanations of such relationships are either absent or lacking evidence.

Journal of Transport Geography

The UK government has just described Europe's restrictive regulation of GM crops as irrational and lacking evidence.

The Guardian

Lacking evidence of the shop's duplicity, I'm inclined to give it the benefit of the doubt.

The New York Times - Magazine

Tors lacking evidence of glacial modification and exhibiting advanced weathering have 10Be exposure ages between 52 and 297 ka.

Geomorphology

Lacking evidence of abusive behavior on Carroll's part, we may deem him an odd kind of moral hero, quite apart from the literary glories that his obsession yielded.

The New Yorker

Lacking evidence that potential conspirators were actively committing a crime, the bureau could do little to gather information on the domestic front.

The New Yorker

Nyholm AM, Palm H, Malchau H, Troelsen A, Gromov K. Lacking evidence for performance of implants used for proximal femoral fractures - A systematic review.

Harvard University

The Russian Foreign Ministry rejected the indictment's allegations as lacking evidence and described the charges as a clear effort to derail the Trump-Putin summit in Helsinki.

The Washington Post

In September the auditor general criticised the package as poorly designed and lacking evidence to support its claims about economic growth.

The Guardian

LOUIS Even lacking evidence that would stand up in a court of law, you need not employ someone you reasonably believe is stealing.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lacking evidence" to objectively describe situations where claims or theories do not have sufficient support. Avoid using it to express personal opinions or biases.

Common error

Avoid using "lacking evidence" to definitively dismiss a claim. Instead, acknowledge the absence of evidence while remaining open to the possibility that evidence may emerge in the future.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacking evidence" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes something that does not have sufficient proof or support. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a valid English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lacking evidence" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the absence of sufficient proof or support. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in written English. Its application spans diverse fields, including science, news, and academia, indicating a neutral to formal register. When employing this phrase, maintain objectivity and refrain from overstating implications. Alternatives such as ""without proof"" or ""unsubstantiated"" offer nuanced substitutes depending on the context. This guide equips writers with a comprehensive understanding of "lacking evidence", ensuring its appropriate and impactful use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without proof

Focuses on the absence of any proof whatsoever.

unsubstantiated

Highlights the lack of factual support or confirmation.

unsupported

Emphasizes the absence of backing or corroboration.

devoid of evidence

Stronger emphasis on complete absence of evidence.

without substantiation

Similar to "unsubstantiated", but more formal.

deficient in proof

Highlights the inadequacy or shortage of proof.

wanting in evidence

More formal and somewhat archaic way to express the lack of evidence.

without factual basis

Focuses on the absence of a foundation in facts.

with no supporting data

Highlights the absence of data to back up a claim.

not corroborated

Emphasizes the lack of independent confirmation.

FAQs

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

You can use "lacking evidence" to indicate that a claim, argument, or theory does not have sufficient proof or support. For example, "The prosecutor's case was "lacking evidence", leading to an acquittal."

What are some alternatives to "lacking evidence"?

Alternatives include "without proof", "unsubstantiated", or "unsupported". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "there is no evidence" or "it is lacking evidence"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "there is no evidence" is a more direct and forceful statement. "Lacking evidence" can sometimes sound more formal or academic.

What does it mean for a scientific study to be "lacking evidence"?

In a scientific context, ""lacking evidence"" means that the study's findings do not provide sufficient data or proof to support a particular hypothesis or conclusion. Further research may be needed.