lacking in confidence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacking in confidence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who does not have self-assurance or belief in their abilities. Example: "She was lacking in confidence during her presentation, which affected her performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rooney seriously lacking in confidence.

BBC

Very few people are totally lacking in confidence and very few feel confident that they can handle almost anything.

Huffington Post

'We are lacking in confidence.

The Guardian - Sport

But he isn't lacking in confidence.

The Guardian - Music

"He was very quiet and seemingly lacking in confidence.

The Guardian - Sport

Instead, the running was insipid, lacking in confidence or nous.

The Guardian - Sport

Exams left me feeling worthless and lacking in confidence.

The Guardian

I didn't see a keeper lacking in confidence.

Independent

It is poor headteachers, lacking in confidence, who create excessive paperwork.

The Guardian - Opinion

While Catherine is tentative and lacking in confidence, James is flamboyant, knowledgeable and penetrating.

The Guardian - Books

But women who talk that way, she said, are seen as lacking in confidence.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific terms like "insecure" or "hesitant" if they more accurately reflect the underlying cause of the lack of confidence. This adds nuance and depth to your description.

Common error

Avoid using "lacking in confidence" as a blanket statement about someone's character. Confidence levels often fluctuate depending on the situation, so specifying the context prevents misrepresentation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacking in confidence" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of reduced self-assurance or self-belief. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, where the phrase often describes individuals, teams, or even abstract entities like films.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lacking in confidence" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a state of reduced self-assurance, supported by numerous examples available through Ludwig. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it is important to use it precisely, specifying the context to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives like "insecure" or "diffident" can offer more nuanced meanings. Predominantly found in news and media, this phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse communication contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not self-confident

A more literal and straightforward alternative.

lacking self-assurance

Similar to "lacking in confidence" but emphasizes a general sense of certainty.

wanting in self-esteem

Directly addresses the deficit in self-respect and positive self-image.

unsure of oneself

Highlights the uncertainty and doubt in one's own abilities or judgment.

short on self-belief

Highlights the absence of faith in one's own capabilities.

insecure

Emphasizes feelings of anxiety and uncertainty about oneself.

unassured

Focuses on the absence of assurance, a slightly more formal tone.

diffident

Highlights shyness and hesitation due to a lack of self-belief.

hesitant

Implies a pause or reluctance due to uncertainty or lack of conviction.

timid

Suggests a fearfulness and reluctance to assert oneself.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "lacking in confidence"?

You can use alternatives like "insecure", "diffident", or "not self-confident" depending on the context.

How to use "lacking in confidence" in a sentence?

You can use "lacking in confidence" to describe someone's state or performance. For example, "He was clearly lacking in confidence during the presentation" or "The team appeared lacking in confidence after their recent losses".

What's the difference between "lacking in confidence" and "low self-esteem"?

"Lacking in confidence" often refers to a specific situation or temporary state, while "low self-esteem" describes a more general and persistent feeling of worthlessness or inadequacy.

Is it better to say "lacking in confidence" or "not confident"?

Both are grammatically correct. "Lacking in confidence" emphasizes a deficiency, while "not confident" is a more neutral statement. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.