lacking in detail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacking in detail" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not as thorough or complete as it could be. For example: "The report was lacking in detail, so I had to do some additional research to get more information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Useless report, lacking in detail.

The Times

It was almost totally lacking in detail, and Assange was dramatically dismissive of it.

The New Yorker

Using only WhatsApp, the contact follows an eerily similar pattern: perfunctory in tone and lacking in detail.

The Guardian

Jonathan Simons, head of education at the thinktank Policy Exchange, added that the consultation is lacking in detail.

The Guardian

Instead they served up their own superficial tweaks, lacking in detail and riddled with loopholes," she said.

The Guardian

Martini's 14th-century saints appear flattened and lacking in detail, while the chapel's central fresco has lost its top coat.

The Guardian - Arts

He says that people concocting a story prepare a script that is tight and lacking in detail.

The New York Times - Science

McCulloch's press conference, when it eventually took place, was notably lacking in detail about the shots that killed Brown.

The New Yorker

But their accounts of events were often confused or lacking in detail and could not be independently verified.

The New York Times

Since his candidacy gained momentum the attacks on Corbyn have been stark, if lacking in detail or bite.

Independent

The Met dismissed these claims as either false, lacking in detail or because it said Williams had never raised them with his colleagues.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When criticizing something as "lacking in detail", be prepared to provide specific examples of what is missing or underdeveloped. This strengthens your critique and provides constructive feedback.

Common error

Avoid simply stating something is "lacking in detail" without explaining why or what details are needed. This can come across as vague and unhelpful. Always provide context or examples to support your assertion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacking in detail" functions primarily as an adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, describing something as not having enough specific information or thoroughness. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lacking in detail" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that is insufficiently thorough or specific. As Ludwig confirms, its usage spans across various contexts, particularly in news and media and scientific writing. While versatile, it's important to use it precisely, providing context or examples to support the assertion. Alternatives like "insufficiently detailed" or "vague and general" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. To enhance clarity, consider specifying what details are missing, transforming a simple critique into constructive feedback.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insufficiently detailed

A more formal way of expressing the original phrase.

short on specifics

Emphasizes the absence of specific information.

light on specifics

Similar to 'short on specifics' but with a slightly more casual tone.

vague and general

Highlights the lack of precision and the broad nature of the information.

devoid of particulars

Emphasizes the absence of specific items or details.

superficial

Indicates a lack of depth or thoroughness.

sketchy

Suggests incompleteness and potential unreliability.

thin on content

Focuses on the lack of substance or informational value.

cursory

Implies a hasty and therefore not thorough examination.

broad brush

Suggests a lack of precision or nuance, covering only the main points.

FAQs

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

You can use "lacking in detail" to describe reports, plans, descriptions, or any information that is not thorough or complete. For example, "The initial report was "lacking in detail", requiring further investigation."

What are some alternatives to saying "lacking in detail"?

Alternatives include "insufficiently detailed", "vague and general", or "short on specifics", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Both "lacking detail" and "lacking in detail" are grammatically correct and understandable. However, "lacking in detail" is generally more common and might sound slightly more natural in most contexts.

What does it mean when someone says a plan is "lacking in detail"?

When a plan is described as "lacking in detail", it means the plan is not fully developed or specific. It needs more information to be actionable or well-understood. The plan may be "superficial" and require further elaboration.