lacking the capacity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacking the capacity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something does not have the ability or resources to perform a task or fulfill a requirement. Example: "The organization is currently lacking the capacity to handle the increased demand for services."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Besides lacking the capacity to make loud clanking noises, felt is colorful, tactile, and safe.

The New Yorker

Eventually, lacking the capacity to carry out daily resistance, Gunita was evicted.

The Guardian - Opinion

As the NAO report observes, one problem is organisations lacking the capacity to ensure consistent roll-out of education campaigns.

The Guardian

Important challenges remain, especially in low income countries lacking the capacity to design, deliver, and finance social transfer programmes.

The Guardian

Thus more companies will be paid for conducting procedures, while lacking the capacity to cope when things go badly wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

Lacking the capacity for solitude, we turn to other people but don't experience them as they are.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Because they very often lack the capacity to follow through.

The Guardian

Noble lacks the capacity to go it alone.

The Economist

Kayani said that the provincial government lacks the capacity to help the IDPs.

The Guardian

The other two teams, good at informal sharing, lacked the capacity to provide regular supervision.

The Guardian

But while there was "the will", Greece, he claimed, lacked the capacity to implement such change.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lacking the capacity" to describe a structural or systemic inability, rather than individual shortcomings. For instance, say "the department is lacking the capacity to process all applications" instead of "John is lacking the capacity to complete his tasks."

Common error

Avoid using "lacking the capacity" when a simpler term like "unable" or "incapable" would suffice. Reserve it for scenarios where the deficiency is complex and multifaceted, involving resources, skills, and systems.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacking the capacity" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the state of not having the necessary ability, resources, or qualifications to perform a specific action or fulfill a particular role. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

45%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lacking the capacity" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a deficiency in ability, resources, or qualifications. Ludwig AI confirms this. It's most frequently encountered in news and scientific contexts, demonstrating its suitability for neutral to formal communication. When writing, reserve it for complex situations involving systemic deficiencies, and consider simpler alternatives like "unable to" or "incapable of" for less nuanced cases. "Lack the capacity" is an acceptable alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unable to

Highlights a direct inability to perform a specific action.

incapable of

Stresses a fundamental inability or inherent limitation.

without the ability

Emphasizes the absence of a general skill or competence.

without the means to

Indicates a lack of necessary resources or tools.

not equipped to

Focuses on the absence of necessary equipment or preparation.

deficient in

Focuses on a specific area where something is not adequate.

inadequate for

Highlights the insufficient nature of something for a specific purpose.

falling short in

Suggests a failure to meet a required standard or expectation.

short on

Highlights a lack of a particular resource or attribute.

not up to

Indicates that something doesn't meet the required standard or ability.

FAQs

How can I use "lacking the capacity" in a sentence?

Use "lacking the capacity" to describe a situation where there's an absence of ability or resources to perform a task or fulfill a requirement. For example: "The organization is "currently lacking the capacity" to handle the increased demand for services."

What are some alternatives to "lacking the capacity"?

You can use alternatives like "without the ability", "unable to", or "incapable of" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "lacking the capacity" over simpler alternatives?

"Lacking the capacity" is most appropriate when describing a complex deficiency involving a combination of resources, skills, and systems. Simpler terms like "unable to" or "incapable of" may be better suited for simpler situations.

Is "lack the capacity" a synonym for "lacking the capacity"?

Yes, "lack the capacity" is a very close synonym for "lacking the capacity". The difference is grammatical, with "lack" being a verb and "lacking" a participle acting as an adjective. Both phrases express a deficiency or absence of ability or resources.