lacking food

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacking food" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition where there is a deficiency of food or sustenance. Example: "The refugees were found in a state of distress, lacking food and basic necessities for survival."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Lacking food, they eventually fled, and they were overwhelmed by the friendly welcome.

The New York Times

Guatemala was ill prepared for the tandem disasters, lacking food reserves to feed flood victims, relief workers said.

The New York Times

While lacking food service experience, Mrs. Tucker appeared confident, commenting, "When you see what you have there, it's just common sense".

The New York Times

Once their money runs out, lacking food and shelter after a night on the town, the runaways have nowhere else to go but back to hell.

The New York Times

With the herd in prime condition, and the couple lacking food and space to keep them, they frantically called slaughterhouses throughout the state.

The New York Times

Without lights in the dormitories, many players decamped to a nearby school that became a refugee center despite lacking food and water.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

They lacked food and water.

The New Yorker

Diners do not lack food and drink while waiting.

The New York Times

In both places, relief officials said, people lack food and shelter.

The New York Times

They were said to often lack food, heat, electricity and telephone service.

The New York Times

Now, relief workers say, the most crucial needs are food, tents, medicine, plastic sheeting and blankets for the thousands of people who lack food and shelter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation where people are "lacking food", consider adding details about the specific consequences, such as malnutrition or starvation, to emphasize the severity of the situation.

Common error

Be careful not to use "lacking food" when you mean simply disliking a particular type of food. "Lacking food" refers to a situation where food is unavailable, not just unwanted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacking food" functions as a participial phrase, often modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of deprivation. It indicates a condition where sustenance is absent or deficient. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

23%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

3%

Lifestyle

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lacking food" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the absence of sustenance. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage of this phrase. It functions as a participial phrase, frequently appearing in contexts such as News & Media, Formal & Business and Science. While phrases like "without food" or "deprived of food" offer similar meanings, "lacking food" effectively conveys a state of deprivation or need, often prompting awareness and action in critical situations. When using this phrase, specificity regarding the consequences can amplify its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without food

A more direct way of stating the absence of food.

deprived of food

Emphasizes the removal or withholding of food.

foodless

A concise, though less common, adjective indicating absence of food.

in want of food

A more formal or literary way to express a need for food.

underfed

Focuses on the result of not having enough food, implying a state of being insufficiently nourished.

malnourished

Indicates a severe deficiency in nutrients due to lack of food or poor diet.

starving

Highlights the extreme condition of suffering from lack of food.

food scarcity

Shifts the focus to the general condition of limited food availability.

food shortage

Similar to food scarcity, referring to a limited supply of food.

insufficient food supply

A more formal way to describe a situation where the available food is inadequate.

FAQs

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

You can use "lacking food" to describe a state of deprivation or absence of sustenance. For example, "The refugees were found in a state of distress, "lacking food" and basic necessities for survival."

What are some synonyms for "lacking food"?

Alternatives to "lacking food" include "without food", "deprived of food", or "food shortage" depending on the intended nuance.

Is it more appropriate to say "lacking food" or "without food"?

Both "lacking food" and "without food" are grammatically correct. "Lacking food" might suggest a temporary absence, while "without food" could imply a more permanent condition.

What is the difference between "lacking food" and "food insecurity"?

"Lacking food" describes a current state of not having enough to eat. "Food insecurity" is a broader term that encompasses the risk or uncertainty of not having access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food in the future.