lacking in

USAGE SUMMARY

"lacking in" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe something that has less of something than expected or desired. For example, "The project was lacking in creativity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Rather lacking in fizz.

Independent

It is lacking in balance.

The Guardian

Most are lacking in charm".

The New Yorker

Lacking in imagination?

The New York Times

Too lacking in passion".

The Guardian - Books

"It feels a little lacking in joy".

The New York Times

Impressive, but lacking in Brahmsian ambiguity.

Independent

"Schools are also lacking in discipline.

Independent

Pakistan is not lacking in academic talent.

The New York Times

But today it seems lacking in ambition.

The Economist

But they were lacking in two ways.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lacking in" to clearly and directly express the absence or deficiency of a specific quality or attribute in a subject. For example, instead of saying "The presentation was bad", specify "The presentation was "lacking in" visual aids".

Common error

While "lacking in" is acceptable, in highly formal writing, consider more sophisticated synonyms like "deficient in" or "devoid of" to enhance the tone and precision of your language. For example, in academic papers, using "deficient in" may provide a more scholarly feel than ""lacking in"".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacking in" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a deficiency or absence of a particular quality or attribute. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and useful phrase, and its examples demonstrate its role in specifying what something is missing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lacking in" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase used to express a deficiency or absence of a specific quality or attribute. Ludwig AI affirms its validity and provides numerous examples showcasing its usage across various contexts. It's particularly frequent in news and media, serving to highlight shortcomings or areas needing improvement. While "lacking in" is generally suitable, more formal alternatives like "deficient in" or "devoid of" may be preferred in highly academic or professional settings. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register, you can effectively incorporate "lacking in" into your writing to convey precise and constructive feedback.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deficient in

Focuses on the insufficiency of something, suggesting a more technical or formal tone.

wanting in

Emphasizes a deficiency or absence, often implying a need or desire for what is missing.

devoid of

Indicates a complete absence of something, creating a stronger sense of lacking.

without

A simple and direct way to express the absence of something.

missing

Focuses on the absence of something that is expected or needed.

bereft of

Suggests a sense of loss or deprivation due to the absence of something.

short on

Implies a scarcity or insufficient amount of something.

poor in

Highlights the low quantity or quality of something present.

scant in

Indicates a meager or inadequate supply of something.

inadequate in

Stresses the insufficiency of something for a particular purpose or requirement.

FAQs

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

The phrase "lacking in" is used to indicate the absence or deficiency of something. For example, "The movie was "lacking in" originality", or "The team was "deficient in" experience".

What are some alternatives to saying "lacking in"?

You can use alternatives such as "deficient in", "wanting in", or "devoid of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "lacking in" or "lacks"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "lacks" is more concise. "Lacking in" often emphasizes a specific deficiency. For example, "The report lacks detail" versus "The report is "lacking in" detail".

What's the difference between "lacking in" and "missing"?

"Missing" generally implies something that should be present but is not, while "lacking in" describes a deficiency in a particular quality. For example, "The key is missing" indicates the key is not there, while "The explanation is "lacking in" clarity" suggests the explanation is unclear.