lacking expertise

USAGE SUMMARY

'lacking expertise' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something or someone who does not have the knowledge or experience needed for a particular task. For example: The project failed due to the team members lacking expertise in the specific field.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

He's no novice, lacking expertise, and he is not suicidal.

The Guardian - Sport

This may also explain why we so frequently hear from engineers, geologists, and physicists who are skeptical of human-caused global warming despite lacking expertise in climate science.

The Guardian

Too often judges, lacking expertise in the area, make decisions without reviewing important evidence about an applicant's mental health, sometimes after only a brief hearing or no hearing at all.

The New York Times

To meet these requirements, GRDM was designed for field personnel lacking expertise in customizing a GIS.

Computers & Geosciences

Technical support for communities lacking expertise to purchase land and develop it.

BBC

After a year we were getting nowhere with the construction, lacking expertise in electronic circuits.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Even the experts lack expertise, these days.

The New Yorker

She, too, rejects the notion that women lack expertise.

The New York Times

Still, they felt they lacked expertise and hired a project manager, Keith Kieltyka.

The New York Times

But he lacks expertise in this field, and Cuba is famous for 12-hour blackouts.

The Economist

Juncker is a federalist and, though chairman of the euro group, he lacks expertise of foreign policy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a team's shortcomings, be specific about the type of "lacking expertise" to suggest targeted training or hiring strategies.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that someone is "lacking expertise" without specifying the area. Instead, clarify the specific skill or knowledge gap, such as "lacking expertise in data analysis" or "lacking expertise in project management", to provide a clearer and more actionable assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacking expertise" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of deficiency in a particular skill or knowledge domain. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lacking expertise" is a grammatically sound and widely understood way to describe a deficiency in skills or knowledge. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability across a variety of contexts. While frequently found in news and scientific sources, its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse settings. When using this phrase, clarity is key; specify the area where expertise is needed to provide a more informative and actionable assessment. Consider alternatives like "deficient in skill" or "without the necessary proficiency" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking the required skillset

Highlights the absence of a set of necessary skills for a task.

deficient in skill

Focuses on the absence of a specific developed ability.

without the necessary proficiency

Emphasizes a lack of required competence.

without the proper qualifications

Emphasizes the absence of formal certifications or credentials.

wanting in competence

Highlights a deficiency in general ability or suitability.

devoid of know-how

Emphasizes the absence of practical knowledge.

unskilled in the area

Specifically refers to a lack of skill within a particular domain.

untrained in the subject

Highlights the absence of formal instruction or training.

not versed in the discipline

Focuses on unfamiliarity with a specific field of study.

without adequate background

Emphasizes the lack of sufficient preparatory knowledge.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "lacking expertise" in a professional context?

Consider using alternatives such as "deficient in skill", "without the necessary proficiency", or "wanting in competence" to maintain a formal tone.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "lacking expertise"?

Use "lacking expertise" when you need to point out a deficiency in skill or knowledge that hinders performance or decision-making in a specific area. Be sure to provide context and specify the area where expertise is needed.

What's the difference between "lacking expertise" and "limited experience"?

"Lacking expertise" implies a deficiency in both knowledge and skill, whereas "limited experience" suggests a lack of practical exposure. Someone with limited experience may still possess the necessary knowledge but hasn't had the chance to apply it, while someone "lacking expertise" may need both knowledge and practical application.

How to use "lacking expertise" in a sentence?

You can say something like, "The project team struggled because they were "lacking the required skillset" in software development", or "The analysis was flawed due to the analyst "lacking the required skillset" in statistical modeling".