lacking in specifics

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacking in specifics" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that does not provide detailed information or clarity on a subject. Example: "The report was lacking in specifics, making it difficult to draw any meaningful conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

But they are singularly lacking in specifics".

The New York Times

"This is a real snoozer, lacking in specifics.

The New York Times

It could be too brief to be helpful or lacking in specifics or clumsily written or covered with soup stains.

The New York Times - Magazine

Brand's rant may have been lacking in specifics but it was a downright masterclass in forthright and intuitive persuasive-speaking.

Independent

And half a continent away at a news conference in Washington, Mr. McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee, said Mr. Obama's speeches had been "singularly lacking in specifics".

The New York Times

Planned to open in 2010, the $800 million, 650-acre project, called Cacique, Costa Rica, hit a bump recently when a government agency rejected its environmental impact statement as lacking in specifics.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

They raised other aphids on diets lacking in specific acids.

The New York Times - Science

More generally, the EU adopts a pragmatic and functional approach that has enabled it to weather many apparently intractable crises in which the treaties have been lacking in specific guidance.

The Guardian - Opinion

Though it was lacking in specific new policy prescriptions, the hourlong speech, and the days of buildup that preceded it, marked the president's starkest attack on what he described as the "breathtaking greed" that contributed to the economic turmoil still reverberating around the nation.

The New York Times

Techniques to control differentiation, which involve animals genetically lacking in specific organs, have been used to produce (1) rat pancreas in the bodies of pancreatogenesis-disabled mice and vice versa (Kobayashi et al. 2010), as well as (2) pancreas derived from healthy pigs in pancreatogenesis-disabled pigs as a model of large livestock animals (Matsunari et al. 2013).

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

And she is making another move: attempting to insulate herself from her opponents' charge that she is charming but shallow, a pretty face lacking in specific solutions.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lacking in specifics", ensure the context clearly indicates what aspects require more detail. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your critique or observation.

Common error

Avoid simply stating something is "lacking in specifics" without identifying what specifics are missing. Provide examples or areas where more detail is needed for a more constructive assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacking in specifics" functions as an adjectival phrase, typically modifying a noun to indicate a deficiency in detailed information. As noted by Ludwig AI, it points out the absence of concrete details in a statement, plan, or description.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lacking in specifics" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjectival phrase that indicates a deficiency in detailed information. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, particularly in news, media and scientific writing. While it's suitable for formal communication, it's crucial to specify what specifics are missing to make the critique constructive. Alternatives such as "vague in detail" or "short on details" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Overall, understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate usage enhances the clarity and effectiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

devoid of details

Emphasizes a complete absence of details.

vague in detail

Highlights the unclear and imprecise nature of the information.

short on details

Indicates an insufficient amount of detail provided.

wanting in particulars

A more formal way of saying that something is missing key specifics.

missing key information

Focuses on the absence of crucial details necessary for understanding.

general in nature

Suggests that the information is broad and not focused on specific aspects.

non-detailed

A straightforward term indicating a lack of elaboration.

without elaboration

Emphasizes the absence of further explanation or development.

insufficiently detailed

Highlights that the level of detail is not adequate or satisfactory.

sketchy on the facts

Suggests that the information is incomplete or unreliable.

FAQs

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

You can use "lacking in specifics" to describe something that needs more detail. For example, "The report was "lacking in specifics", making it difficult to understand the key issues."

What are some alternatives to "lacking in specifics"?

Alternatives include "vague in detail", "short on details", or "devoid of details" depending on the context.

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

"Lacking in specifics" is generally preferred in formal writing, while "lacks specifics" can be used in more informal contexts. The choice depends on the desired tone and audience.

How does "lacking in specifics" differ from "incomplete"?

"Incomplete" suggests that something is unfinished or missing parts, while "lacking in specifics" implies that it needs more detailed information even if all the parts are present. "Lacking in specifics" points to a need for greater clarity and elaboration.