lacking time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacking time" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means not having enough time or being short on time. Example: I apologize for the incomplete report; I have been lacking time due to other urgent tasks.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Like any self-made multimillionaire lacking time or literary talent, he searched for a ghost writer.

The Guardian - Business

He thinks seriously about the state of the world and reads so many magazines that he complains of lacking time for books.

The New York Times

For players lacking time or patience for the grind, there has always been another means of acquiring virtual loot: real money.

The New York Times - Magazine

I went home to write, tweeting on my way that something was going on up Clarence Road but lacking time to stop.

The Guardian

The issue of the follow-on was a hard one: to enforce it and risk exhausting your young bowlers in the heat, or to bat again and risk lacking time to take the last few wickets on the last day.

The Guardian - Sport

Check out the cartoon press release, but if you're still lacking time, Google says that Chrome bolsters stability by treating websites not as websites but applications, supposedly ensuring that one sickly site won't cause every other one in your browser to keel over.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Designed by his brother and lacking time-saving features like one-click shopping, it is hardly slick.

The New York Times

Worse, programming languages lack time in their semantics, so timing requirements are only specified indirectly.

University of California, Berkeley

If lawyers are present, they lack time to prepare an effective defense.

Stanford University

Many UC Berkeley web developers lack time or formal training in UI design.

University of California, Berkeley

In a digital world, through the working week, we all lack time.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lacking time", clearly state the reason or consequence of the time shortage to provide context for your reader.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "lacking time" can sound slightly informal. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "having insufficient time" or "time-constrained" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacking time" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun (often implied). It describes a state of not having enough time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lacking time" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe a state of not having enough time. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usage in various contexts, particularly in scientific and news-related domains. While appropriate for most situations, more formal alternatives may be preferred in highly professional settings. When using the phrase, ensure you provide enough context to clarify the impact of the time shortage. Consider alternatives like "short on time" or "time-constrained" depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short on time

Emphasizes a deficiency in available time, similar to "lacking time".

time-constrained

Highlights the limitation of time as a constraint or restriction.

pressed for time

Suggests being under pressure due to a shortage of time.

having insufficient time

A more formal way of saying there is not enough time.

running out of time

Indicates that the available time is decreasing and nearing its end.

strapped for time

Similar to pressed for time, emphasizing a difficult situation due to lack of time.

time-poor

Describes a state of having little free time, often due to work or other commitments.

in a time crunch

Highlights being in a stressful situation due to limited time.

deficient in time

A more formal and less common way of expressing a lack of time.

with limited time

Focuses on the restriction placed by a small amount of time available.

FAQs

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

You can use "lacking time" to explain why you couldn't complete a task or fulfill a request. For example, "I apologize for the delay, I was "lacking time" to review the document earlier."

What are some alternatives to saying "lacking time"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "short on time", "time-constrained", or "pressed for time".

Is it better to say "lacking time" or "short of time"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "short of time" might be slightly more common in everyday conversation. "Lacking time" is also correct and suitable for most contexts.

What does it mean to be "lacking time"?

To be "lacking time" simply means you do not have enough time available to complete a task or fulfill an obligation. It indicates a scarcity of time.