lacking in quantity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacking in quantity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is an insufficient amount of something. Example: "The resources available for the project are lacking in quantity, which may hinder our progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The 20th century is not as well represented, but fine examples by Sheridan Lord, John Marin, Ernest Lawson and others make up in quality what is lacking in quantity.

The New York Times

Though once again lacking in quantity, the Coral Eclipse Stakes could yet gain an unexpected depth of quality after Aidan O'Brien said that Sandown on Saturday is "a strong possibility" for Declaration Of War.

Independent

The German pilots were increasingly lacking in quantity and quality.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But what northern Piedmont lacks in quantity it makes up for in quality, originality and authenticity.

The New York Times - Food

Les Menuires isn't exactly rammed with nightlife, but what it lacks in quantity it makes up for in quality.

Independent

"Raw's publishing schedule was erratic, to say the least, with only eight issues published between 1980 and 1986, but what it lacked in quantity it made up for in quality.

The Guardian - Books

These numbers are far below California's (nearly 1,400 wineries producing, in 2005, 441m gallons), but what Washington lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality.

The Economist

The biggest thing "Human Target" has going for it is that its cast makes up in quality what it lacks in quantity.

The New York Times - Arts

With a classic, sparse electronic score by Fabio Frizzi, Fulci's once banned "video nasty" is perhaps the ultimate undead movie, making up in quality what it lacks in quantity.

The Guardian - Film

Nintendo's GameCube has a far narrower range of games than Sony's console, but what it lacks in quantity it makes up for in quality, at least for the family-oriented audience that Nintendo targets.

The Economist

"Europe has yet to reach the dizzying heights of American giants such as Facebook and Google, but when you look at businesses in the $1bn to $3bn range, what we lack in quantity we more than make up for in terms of quality.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lacking in quantity", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is deficient. Be specific about the missing element to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid vague statements. Instead of saying "The project is lacking", specify what the project is "lacking in quantity" or in other aspects like quality or resources.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacking in quantity" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a deficiency in the amount or number of something. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase usually describes a situation where there is not enough of a particular resource or element.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lacking in quantity" is a grammatically sound way to express that something is deficient in amount or number. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, although it is not exceedingly common. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it serves to inform about deficiencies in resources or supplies. While neutral in tone, more formal alternatives exist for academic or professional writing. Remember to clearly specify what is "lacking in quantity" to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short on quantity

A more informal way of saying there isn't enough.

deficient in amount

Emphasizes a shortfall in the required or expected amount.

restricted in quantity

Suggests the amount is limited or controlled.

insufficient in number

Highlights that the count or tally is not enough.

scarce in supply

Indicates a limited availability or provision of something.

inadequate in measure

Suggests the amount is not up to the required standard.

limited in volume

Focuses on a restriction in the overall size or capacity.

sparse in number

Indicates a low density or infrequent occurrence.

wanting in volume

Highlights the fact that something is missing in regard to the quantity.

meager in amount

Implies a small and often unsatisfactory quantity.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "lacking in quantity" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "deficient in amount" or "insufficient in number". These alternatives provide a more sophisticated and precise expression of the same idea.

Is it grammatically correct to say "lacking of quantity" instead of "lacking in quantity"?

While "lacking of" might sound similar, the correct and more commonly accepted phrasing is "lacking in quantity". "Lacking of" can sound awkward or incorrect to many native English speakers.

What's the difference between saying something is "lacking in quantity" versus "lacking in quality"?

"Lacking in quantity" means there isn't enough of something, while "lacking in quality" means something doesn't meet the required standards or is of poor quality. The former refers to amount, the latter to attributes.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "lacking in quantity"?

Use "lacking in quantity" when you want to emphasize that there is not enough of something. It's suitable for describing resources, supplies, or any measurable item where the amount is insufficient.