Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
lacking justification
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"lacking justification" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a situation, action, or belief that does not have a valid reason or support. For example: "His decision was lacking justification, leading to widespread criticism." Alternative expressions include "without justification" and "unjustified."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Encyclopedias
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
And the old wound of lacking justification has continued to bleed -– that's what I am interested in.
News & Media
4 Here, knowledge cannot be claimed if something is true but not believed or believed but not true (ie, lacking justification).
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
In a word, he lacks justification.
Encyclopedias
In Mr. Grasso's lawsuit, his lawyers assert that "Mr. Reed's and the stock exchange's campaign of disparagement lacked justification and that the Webb report did not provide a compelling basis for proceeding against Mr. Grasso".
News & Media
Such a proposal lacked justification.
Science
It follows that, according to the convergence view, those liberal commitments will lack justification.
Science
Rosenberg and coworkers caused an uproar in the immunotherapy community when they stated in a position paper that despite great advances in the field of tumour immunology, optimism about the clinical application of therapeutic vaccines lacked justification.
Science
The fact that our beliefs cohere can establish their truth, even though each individual belief may lack justification entirely if considered in splendid isolation, or so it is thought.
Science
It is not just that we lack justification for accepting a general hypothesis as true only on the basis of positive instances and lack of counterinstances (which was the old problem), or to define what rule we are using when accepting a general hypothesis as true on these grounds (which was the problem after Hume).
Science
Second, the premise is false if the actual world (or nearest possible one) contains a confounding realization of the Gettier story a realization in which the subject has knowledge that p or lacks justification for believing that p. If so, then Gettier's case is not really a counterexample to the JTB theory.
Science
At times, the information presented is not clear and lacks justification.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "lacking justification", clearly state what is missing the justification to avoid ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid using "lacking justification" when you actually mean "lacking evidence". Justification implies a reasoned argument, while evidence refers to factual support. Use the appropriate term for clarity.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "lacking justification" typically functions as a postmodifier in a noun phrase, describing a state, action, or idea that does not have a valid or reasonable basis. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.
Frequent in
Science
35%
News & Media
35%
Encyclopedias
10%
Less common in
Formal & Business
10%
Reference
5%
Wiki
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "lacking justification" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate the absence of a valid reason or support for something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for a range of contexts, from news and media to scientific writing. While the phrase is versatile, it's crucial to ensure the context clearly identifies what is "lacking justification" and to differentiate it from similar concepts like "lacking evidence". Alternatives like "unjustified" or "without basis" can also be employed depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
without basis
Focuses on the absence of a foundation or support.
unsubstantiated
Emphasizes the lack of evidence or proof.
unfounded
Highlights the lack of a solid reason or cause.
unwarranted
Stresses the absence of a legitimate need or reason.
without merit
Indicates a lack of value or worthiness.
groundless
Implies a complete absence of factual support.
devoid of reason
Directly addresses the absence of logical thought.
lacking a rationale
Specifically points out the absence of an underlying explanation.
indefensible
Highlights the inability to be supported or justified.
without excuse
Suggests there's no acceptable reason or explanation.
FAQs
How to use "lacking justification" in a sentence?
Use "lacking justification" to describe an action, belief, or decision that does not have a valid or reasonable basis. For example: "The policy change was "without justification"".
What can I say instead of "lacking justification"?
You can use alternatives such as "unjustified", "unfounded", or "without basis" depending on the context.
Which is correct, "lacking justification" or "lacks justification"?
"Lacking justification" is a participial phrase, while "lacks justification" is a verb phrase. Both are grammatically correct but used differently. "Lacking justification" modifies a noun, while "lacks justification" describes an action.
What's the difference between "lacking justification" and "unjustified"?
"Lacking justification" is a phrase that describes something as not having a reason or excuse. "Unjustified" (/s/unjustified) is an adjective that means the same thing, but it is a single word.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested