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 sufficient
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"lacking sufficient" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a state in which something does not have enough of something else that it requires. For example: "The store was lacking sufficient inventory to meet demand."
✓ 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
60 human-written examples
Temporarily suspended from FanDuel due to the account "nofknchkndnce" lacking sufficient funds.
News & Media
Nearly half of all deaths of children under five are still related to malnutrition (either lacking sufficient calories or overweight).
News & Media
They have lost control of several towns, lacking sufficient supplies to hold out against government forces, backed by Ugandan units.
News & Media
Lacking sufficient troops, Johnston could not relieve Pemberton, and Vicksburg fell on July 4 , 1863
Encyclopedias
Lacking sufficient backing, however, it never took off.In the 1950s China decided to create hanyu pinyin.
News & Media
Farmers from other areas are seen as lacking sufficient knowledge of local conditions.
News & Media
Lacking sufficient design talent and self-confidence, he authored no work of his own.
News & Media
The city has always stated that TM's report came in on 24 May 2014, and was lacking sufficient detail to be connected back to Holtzclaw.
News & Media
David Marshall tipped Robert Koren's deflected drive over the top and was thankful for Brady's audacious effort lacking sufficient bend, during a period of sustained Hull pressure.
News & Media
But perhaps such unfairness should be tolerated to correct the greater injustice of segregated schools filled with low-income children and lacking sufficient resources.
News & Media
But, lacking sufficient support from cash-strapped airlines, the concept remains a paper aircraft for the time being.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "lacking sufficient", ensure the context clearly identifies what is missing and why its absence is significant. For example, instead of just saying "The project was lacking sufficient resources", specify "The project was lacking sufficient funding to complete the research phase".
Common error
Avoid using "lacking sufficient" in overly general statements. Instead, be specific about what is lacking and its impact. For example, instead of saying "The plan was lacking sufficient detail", state "The plan was lacking sufficient detail regarding the implementation timeline and budget allocation" to provide clarity.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "lacking sufficient" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase. It typically modifies a noun to indicate a deficiency or inadequacy in the quantity or quality of something. As seen in Ludwig, it describes what is missing or inadequate.
Frequent in
News & Media
39%
Science
37%
Encyclopedias
7%
Less common in
Wiki
7%
Formal & Business
3%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "lacking sufficient" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a deficiency or inadequacy. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and can be used in many writing scenarios. Its usage is common across diverse contexts, especially in news, scientific writing, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, ensure that you clearly specify what is missing and why it matters. While "lacking sufficient" is generally safe to use, be mindful of overly vague statements; provide specific details to enhance clarity and impact.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
insufficient in
Emphasizes inadequacy or not enough of something specific.
inadequate in
Highlights that something is not good enough or not of sufficient quality.
deficient in
Focuses on the state of being inadequate or incomplete in some aspect.
without adequate
Directly expresses the absence of what is needed or required.
not having enough
A more direct and simple way to express the absence of an adequate amount.
limited in
Implies restrictions on the amount or extent of something.
in short supply of
Highlights the scarcity or limited availability of something.
scarce in
Implies that something is rare and not readily available.
wanting in
Indicates a deficiency or absence of a particular quality or attribute.
bereft of
A stronger, more formal way of saying completely lacking something.
FAQs
How can I use "lacking sufficient" in a sentence?
You can use "lacking sufficient" to describe a situation where something does not have enough of what is needed. For example, "The team was "lacking sufficient" manpower to complete the project on time."
What are some alternatives to "lacking sufficient"?
Alternatives include "insufficient in", "deficient in", or "not having enough". The best choice depends on the specific context.
Is it better to say "lacking sufficient" or "lacking enough"?
"Lacking sufficient" is often perceived as more formal than "lacking enough". The choice depends on the desired tone and audience. Both are grammatically correct, but "lacking sufficient" can add a touch of formality.
What's the difference between "lacking sufficient" and "inadequate"?
"Lacking sufficient" describes the absence of an adequate quantity, while "inadequate" describes something that is not of acceptable quality or standard. For example, resources might be "lacking sufficient" funds, or the resources could be "inadequate resources" even if there is enough of them.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested