lacking variety

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacking variety" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is monotonous or does not have diverse elements, such as food, activities, or experiences. Example: "The menu at the restaurant was lacking variety, offering only a few different dishes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

However, the lack of opportunities created in the turgid afternoon and evening sessions suggest that an attack lacking variety will find it hard to take the eight wickets required quickly enough for a run-chase to be undertaken.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

His rhythm lacked variety.

The New York Times - Arts

That isn't to say they lacked variety, in terms of volume or color.

The New York Times - Arts

The collection he showed on Wednesday lacked variety — can he expand on his vision?

The New York Times

But what resulted from this striving for intimacy is a score that lacks variety.

The New York Times - Arts

By that I don't mean that "Matilda" lacks variety, musically or otherwise.

The New York Times

The major weakness is in the vocal writing, which lacks variety and fails to create strong distinctions among the characters.

The New Yorker

To some ears, this approach might lack variety, but there are multiple ways to dice "barely there".

The Guardian - Music

For now, Wickmayer is 23rd with an impressive, aggressive power game that nonetheless lacks variety and adaptability.

The New York Times - Sports

Armitage has the edge for sheer linguistic vigour, but his reading lacks variety of pitch and pace.

The Guardian - Books

Oscar and Willian both wanted to come inside and combine with Cesc Fàbregas, but Chelsea's play was too congested and lacked variety.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger synonyms like "monotonous" or "homogeneous" if you want to emphasize the negative impact of the absence of variety.

Common error

Avoid using "lacking variety" in overly broad or generic statements. Be specific about what lacks variety to provide meaningful information and enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacking variety" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. Ludwig's examples show it describes deficiencies in diversity or range, such as in food, music, or skills. The phrase suggests something is missing a desired level of heterogeneity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

9%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lacking variety" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that needs more diversity. It is used across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal writing. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability, while the related phrases such as "devoid of diversity" and "deficient in variation", provide alternative ways to express a similar meaning. When using the phrase, specificity is key to ensure clarity. Common errors include overuse in overly general statements. Overall, "lacking variety" is a versatile and useful phrase for identifying deficiencies in diversity or range.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking diversity

A more direct synonym, simply stating the absence of diversity.

devoid of diversity

Emphasizes the complete absence of different elements or characteristics.

deficient in variation

Highlights a shortfall in the range or degree of change.

wanting in diversity

Indicates that something is missing the quality of being diverse.

monotonous

Focuses on the quality of being repetitive and uninteresting due to a lack of change.

uniform

Stresses the sameness and lack of differentiation.

homogeneous

Implies a composition of similar parts, without distinct elements.

limited in scope

Suggests a narrowness and restriction in range or extent.

narrow in range

Similar to limited in scope, but emphasizes the restricted boundaries.

without variation

States directly that there are no differences or changes.

FAQs

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

You can use "lacking variety" to describe something that needs diversity. For example, "The food options were "lacking variety", with only a few choices available".

What are some alternatives to saying "lacking variety"?

Alternatives include "devoid of diversity", "deficient in variation", or simply "monotonous" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "lacking variety" or "lacking diversity"?

Both are correct, but "lacking diversity" is slightly more direct. "Lacking variety" emphasizes the absence of different types or forms, while "lacking diversity" focuses on the absence of a range of different things.

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

It means that it does not have enough different elements, types, or forms. It suggests a certain sameness or repetitiveness that can be undesirable.