lacking intelligence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacking intelligence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that does not demonstrate intelligence or understanding. Example: "The decision to invest in that failing company was clearly lacking intelligence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The controversy had begun with Mr. Casey's decision to put Max Hugel, a Reagan supporter lacking intelligence experience, in charge of covert operations.

The New York Times

People want to feel that they are intelligent, and information that suggests one holds an inaccurate belief or made a poor decision suggests one is lacking intelligence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Kelman describes the lives of his characters with typical care and attention: Murdo's relatives and their friends are not portrayed as villains or lacking intelligence; they are simply decent people who also hold monstrous views.

The Guardian - Books

When violence flared again recently in eastern Congo, it was caught flat-footed, lacking intelligence and barely able to defend itself, let alone protect civilians.That is supposed to be changing.

The Economist

Maybe you're wondering what's wrong with your home lacking intelligence.

Forbes

Anything lacking intelligence can't be smarter until marketers get hold of it.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

It lacked intelligence sharing and a sophisticated crisis management mechanism.

The New York Times

"Something about me looks like I lack intelligence," she said.

The New York Times

That research contradicted long-held assumptions that sharks lacked intelligence.

Britannica

Existing approaches lack intelligence and individuation when providing a knowledge retrieval service via rules and cases.

Journal of Network and Computer Applications

Not that they lack intelligence but that they are busy, tired or distracted.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lacking intelligence", consider the context and audience. It can be a harsh phrase, so opt for more nuanced alternatives like "lacking insight" or "deficient in reasoning" to soften the impact, especially in professional settings.

Common error

Avoid relying heavily on "lacking intelligence" in formal documents. It often comes across as overly critical. Instead, provide specific examples of what's missing, such as "lacking analytical skills" or "struggling with strategic thinking."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacking intelligence" functions primarily as an adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, describing something or someone as not possessing or exhibiting intelligence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a valid and understandable construction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lacking intelligence" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a deficiency in cognitive abilities. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it is important to consider the context and potential impact when using this phrase, opting for more nuanced alternatives when appropriate. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, science and encyclopedia sources. When writing, be mindful of overusing the phrase in formal contexts; instead, try to be more specific with the description and examples about the specific lack of skill.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unintelligent

A direct synonym, but perhaps slightly less formal.

intellectually deficient

Emphasizes a measurable deficiency in intellectual capacity.

devoid of intellect

Highlights a complete absence of intellectual capacity.

mentally limited

Focuses on the constraints of mental abilities.

deficient in reasoning

Focuses specifically on the lack of logical thinking abilities.

not very bright

A polite and indirect way of saying someone is unintelligent.

slow-witted

Indicates a slowness in understanding or processing information.

dim-witted

Implies a mild degree of foolishness.

witless

Suggests a lack of quick-wittedness or cleverness.

brainless

A more informal and often derogatory term.

FAQs

What does "lacking intelligence" mean?

The phrase "lacking intelligence" means not possessing or exhibiting a sufficient level of understanding, knowledge, or cognitive ability. It suggests a deficiency in mental capacity.

What can I say instead of "lacking intelligence"?

You can use alternatives like "unintelligent", "not very bright", or "deficient in reasoning" depending on the context. It's always best to pick a substitute that is as specific as possible to the situation.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "lacking intelligence"?

While the phrase "lacking intelligence" is grammatically correct, consider the impact of the words. You can use it when you want to make a point about a person or thing, however, consider to use a more nuanced approach to soften the impact of a phrase that could be perceived as insensitive.

Is there a difference between "lacking intelligence" and "lacks intelligence"?

"Lacking intelligence" is an adjective phrase, often used to describe a quality or characteristic. "Lacks intelligence" is a verb phrase, indicating that someone or something does not possess intelligence. For example: "The plan was "lacking intelligence"", versus "He "lacks intelligence"".