lacking something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacking something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deficiency or absence of a particular quality, item, or characteristic. Example: "The project was deemed unsuccessful due to lacking something essential in its execution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Likeable but lacking something.

Independent

"I was lacking something," she said.

The New York Times

"I'm lacking something but I missed all of last season.

The Guardian - Sport

"We're lacking something in the last 30 metres," he said.

Independent

People who can't see the beauty here are lacking something in themselves.

The Washington Post

He knows his science, but he's lacking something when it comes to relationships.

Harvard Business Review

I felt as if I were lacking something essential, like water.

The New Yorker

It didn't affect my work, but, spiritually, I always felt that I was lacking something".

The New Yorker

For if the music is lacking, something must fill the vacuum.

The New York Times - Arts

On the page by itself some of it is still wonderful, but it's lacking something".

The Guardian

"One is lacking something; the other has too much of it," says Eisenberg.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lacking something" to express a specific deficiency or absence, ensuring clarity about what is missing. For example, "The plan is "lacking something" crucial for its success."

Common error

Avoid using "lacking something" in overly vague contexts where the missing element is not clear. Instead, specify what is missing to provide more meaningful information. Instead of saying: "The presentation was "lacking something"," specify the missing element by saying: "The presentation was "lacking something": compelling visuals."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacking something" functions as a verb phrase typically used as a complement to a linking verb (e.g., 'is', 'seems', 'feels'). According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and commonly used, suggesting a valid grammatical structure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lacking something" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a deficiency or absence of a particular attribute. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is widely employed across various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general discourse. The phrase functions as a verb phrase, typically complementing a linking verb. While suitable for neutral registers, specifying the missing element enhances clarity. Common alternatives include "missing something" and "deficient in something". To ensure effective communication, it's crucial to avoid vagueness and clearly identify what "something" refers to when using the phrase "lacking something".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

missing something

Uses "missing" as a synonym for "lacking", suggesting an absence or incompleteness.

deficient in something

Replaces the verb "lacking" with the adjective "deficient", implying a state of inadequacy.

short on something

Indicates a deficiency in a specific resource or quality.

without something

Expresses the absence of something in a more direct manner.

incomplete in some way

Highlights the state of being unfinished or not whole.

wanting in a certain aspect

Focuses on a specific area where something is deficient.

falls short in some respect

Emphasizes the failure to meet a certain standard or expectation.

doesn't quite have it

Informal way of saying that something is not complete or satisfactory.

not up to par

Indicates that something is below the required or expected level.

leaves something to be desired

A polite way of saying that something is not entirely satisfactory and could be improved.

FAQs

What does "lacking something" mean?

The phrase "lacking something" means that something is missing or deficient. It indicates that a particular quality, item, or characteristic is absent.

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

You can use "lacking something" to describe a deficiency in various contexts. For example: "The team's performance was "deficient in something" due to poor communication."

What are some alternatives to "lacking something"?

Alternatives include "missing something", "deficient in something", or "without something". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "lacking something" or "missing something"?

Both "lacking something" and "missing something" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often depends on stylistic preference and the specific nuance you want to convey.