lacking of confidence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacking of confidence" is not correct in English.
The correct form is "lacking confidence." You can use it to describe someone who does not have self-assurance or certainty in their abilities or decisions. Example: "She was lacking confidence during her presentation, which affected her performance."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The worst thing for a financial market "is not the fluctuation of price, but overall lacking of confidence and liquidity.

The Guardian - Business

The unoriginal, uninspired, and lacking of confidence in the phenomenon of a person who steals your ideas, words, and work is an eye roll to every business owner.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"A flirtation coming from lack of confidence".

The New York Times

It was never a lack of confidence".

The New York Times - Sports

Lack of confidence in the government.

The New York Times

No lack of confidence there.

The New York Times

I feel a lack of confidence.

The New York Times - Magazine

Perhaps it was lack of confidence".

The Guardian - Film

It was almost a lack of confidence, before.

The Guardian - Film

"There's a lack of confidence in social democracy.

The New York Times

"The lack of confidence is bringing him to other areas.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "lacking of confidence" in formal writing. Opt for the grammatically correct and more common phrase, "lack of confidence".

Common error

Don't add unnecessary prepositions. Using "lacking of" is redundant; "lacking confidence" is concise and correct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacking of confidence" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. While grammatically questionable, it aims to describe a state or condition where confidence is absent. According to Ludwig, the phrase is not correct in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lacking of confidence" is identified by Ludwig as grammatically incorrect, with the correct form being "lack of confidence". While examples appear in news media, its usage is infrequent. It's best to use the correct form in formal writing. The expert rating reflects this grammatical error. Though the meaning is clear, using "lack of confidence" is preferred for clarity and correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of confidence

Omits the unnecessary 'of' making it grammatically correct and more concise.

wanting confidence

Uses the verb 'wanting' to describe the absence of confidence.

deficient in confidence

Replaces 'lacking' with 'deficient in', indicating a shortage or inadequacy.

short on confidence

Uses 'short on' to convey a deficit or insufficient amount of confidence.

absence of confidence

Emphasizes the complete absence of confidence.

want of confidence

A more formal way of saying "lack of confidence".

without confidence

Highlights the state of being completely devoid of confidence.

bereft of confidence

A more emphatic way of saying 'without confidence'.

devoid of confidence

Similar to 'bereft of', but emphasizes the emptiness or lack.

unconfident

A single-word adjective describing someone who lacks confidence.

FAQs

Is "lacking of confidence" grammatically correct?

No, the correct phrasing is "lack of confidence". The phrase "lacking of confidence" is considered grammatically incorrect due to the unnecessary preposition "of".

What does "lack of confidence" mean?

The phrase "lack of confidence" means a feeling of uncertainty or inadequacy; not believing in your ability to do things well or succeed.

How can I improve my confidence?

Confidence can be improved by setting achievable goals, celebrating small wins, practicing self-compassion, and focusing on your strengths. Seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist can also be beneficial.

What are some synonyms for "lack of confidence"?

Synonyms for "lack of confidence" include "insecurity", "self-doubt", and "apprehension".