lacking resolve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacking resolve" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is indecisive or lacks determination in a particular situation. Example: "Despite the challenges ahead, his team was not lacking resolve and pushed forward with their plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

She has been accused of dithering, lacking resolve and boldness.

The Guardian

Mr. Blair has already been accused of lacking resolve when it comes to standing up to the United States.

The New York Times

In the wake of the collapses, the Mets have taken on the image of a soft team, one lacking resolve.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr Romney declined to back down, accusing Mr Obama's foreign policy of lacking resolve and confidence in America.There is a synthetic feel to these arguments.

The Economist

This may seem odd, given that it will keep out the rain, but I mean "wet" in the sense of weak-willed, feeble-minded, lacking resolve.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Nobody thinks this government lacks resolve, strength and grit.

The Guardian

"You have mastered the sword but your heart lacks resolve," Jiaxin declares before setting her a mettle-testing challenge – to kill her own cousin, Tian Ji'an Chang Chenn), the governor of Weibo, to whom she was once betrothed.

The Guardian - Film

However, the main molecular marker used (16S rRNA gene) lacks resolving power at or below the species level, missing where most of the unexpected diversity lies.

Biology Direct

The command structure was confused and timid, the politicians were lacking in resolve.

The New Yorker

Structures of 1-Cys MsrAs lacking a resolving Cys, which interacts with catalytic Cys, are unknown.

Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics

Moreover, in contrast to microscopy, standard flow cytometry can only detect average whole cell fluorescence intensities lacking spatially resolved information.

BMC Systems Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lacking resolve", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. If you want to emphasize indecisiveness, alternatives like "indecisive" or "wavering" might be more precise. If you want to highlight weakness of character, "weak-willed" is a stronger option.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "lacking resolve" can sound somewhat formal or archaic. In everyday conversation or less formal writing, consider using simpler alternatives like "indecisive" or "hesitant" to achieve a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacking resolve" functions primarily as an adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, describing a quality or characteristic of someone or something, indicating a deficiency in determination or decisiveness. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Sports

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lacking resolve" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a deficiency in determination or decisiveness. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English. While its frequency is relatively rare, it appears most often in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, consider the specific nuance you want to convey and whether a simpler alternative might be more appropriate. Keep in mind that while acceptable, there may be more popular ways to convey the meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without determination

Emphasizes the absence of a firm decision or intention.

indecisive

Highlights the inability to make a clear decision.

irresolute

Stresses a wavering or hesitant nature.

vacillating

Focuses on the act of fluctuating between different opinions or actions.

weak-willed

Implies a lack of willpower or strength of character.

lacking firmness

Underscores the absence of a steady or unwavering approach.

without conviction

Highlights the absence of strong belief or certainty.

hesitant

Emphasizes reluctance or delay in acting.

wavering

Suggests instability and a tendency to fluctuate.

lacking fortitude

Focuses on the absence of courage or resilience.

FAQs

What does "lacking resolve" mean?

The phrase "lacking resolve" means to not have determination, firmness of purpose, or the ability to make firm decisions. It implies a weakness in character or an inability to stick to a course of action.

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

You can use "lacking resolve" to describe someone who is indecisive, weak-willed, or unable to commit to a decision. For example, "The government was criticized for "lacking resolve" in addressing the economic crisis."

What are some synonyms for "lacking resolve"?

Some synonyms for "lacking resolve" include "indecisive", "irresolute", "weak-willed", "hesitant", and "wavering".

Is it better to say "lacking resolve" or "lacks resolve"?

The phrase "lacking resolve" is typically used as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. "Lacks resolve" is a verb phrase where 'lacks' is the verb and 'resolve' is the object. Therefore, the best choice depends on the sentence structure. For example, "He was accused of "lacking resolve"" vs. "He "lacks resolve" when faced with difficult decisions."