lacking structure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacking structure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that does not have a clear or organized framework, such as a piece of writing, a plan, or an argument. Example: "The report was criticized for being lacking structure, making it difficult to follow the author's main points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Charged with rescuing an industry that was overstaffed, inefficient and lacking structure, Mr. Stokes oversaw the merger of the Leyland Motor Corporation and British Motor Holdings in 1968.

The New York Times

As Roy Keane put it, that it is "cuckoo land" to believe the current team, lacking structure and plainly in decline, will be passing around the European Cup at San Siro on 28 May.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet while hopes remain high that the bill will appeal to foreign investors, and kick-start India's economic growth, nearly a decade of revisions has left a watered-down measure lacking structure.

The New York Times

Mr. Tyson has been praised for his combustible humor, but the show has been criticized for lacking structure and for allowing its subject to spend too much time defending his past sins.

The New York Times

Increasing the temperature, causes the deformation layer to be replaced by a zone lacking structure.

Polymer

The Pando Projects provide support for people with great ideas who are lacking structure and funding.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Most postdocs in this sample, particularly those in the academic arena, described their experiences as lacking structured professional development.

CBE Life Sciences Education

"The process lacked structure, and the rules changed repeatedly".

The New York Times

To borrow a wine-snob term of art, it lacks structure.

The New York Times

But that doesn't mean this music lacks structure or definition.

The New York Times - Arts

The team has lacked structure and consistency and has been unable to thrive.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lacking structure", ensure it's followed by a noun or pronoun specifying what lacks structure (e.g., "lacking structure, the essay failed to convey its main points").

Common error

Avoid using "lacking structure" as a blanket criticism. Instead, specify which aspects lack structure, like "lacking clear hierarchical structure" or "lacking organizational structure", to provide more actionable feedback.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacking structure" functions primarily as an adjective phrase. It modifies nouns to describe something that does not possess a clear or organized framework. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is deemed grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

42%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lacking structure" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to describe something without a clear or organized framework. While it's deemed grammatically correct and usable by Ludwig, it's essential to use it precisely, specifying what lacks structure for clarity. It's commonly used in news, scientific, and general contexts, indicating a neutral register. Consider alternatives like "devoid of structure" or "unstructured" depending on the desired emphasis. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "lacking structure" to convey criticisms or assessments about disorganization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

devoid of structure

This alternative uses "devoid" to emphasize a complete absence of structure.

without structure

This alternative is a more straightforward and direct way of expressing the same idea.

unstructured

This is a single-word adjective that directly describes something that lacks structure.

disorganized

This alternative focuses on the lack of organization, implying a lack of coherent arrangement.

lacking organization

Similar to "disorganized", this phrase explicitly mentions the absence of organization.

deficient in structure

This alternative uses "deficient" to highlight the inadequacy of structure.

inadequate structure

This phrase suggests that the structure is present but insufficient.

wanting in structure

A more formal alternative, indicating a lack or deficiency.

lacks coherence

This shifts the focus to the lack of logical consistency and clarity.

formless

This adjective emphasizes the absence of a defined shape or form.

FAQs

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

You can use "lacking structure" to describe anything that does not have a clear or organized framework. For example, "The presentation was criticized for "lacking structure", making it difficult to follow.".

What are some alternatives to "lacking structure"?

Alternatives include "devoid of structure", "unstructured", or "disorganized", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

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

"Lacking structure" functions as an adjective phrase, while "lacks structure" is a verb phrase. Use "lacking structure" to modify a noun (e.g., "a plan lacking structure"), and "lacks structure" when the subject is singular (e.g., "the plan lacks structure").

What does it mean when something is described as "lacking structure"?

It means that the subject does not have a clear, organized, or logical arrangement. This can refer to physical objects, abstract concepts, or processes.