lacking water

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacking water" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, environment, or object that does not have enough water or is completely devoid of it. Example: "The plants in the garden are wilting, clearly lacking water during this dry spell."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Lacking water for four to six days, we die.

The Guardian - Opinion

If its inhabitants are lacking water, why do they choose to live in the desert?

The Guardian - Film

In 2001, again lacking water, he grew but 10 acres of cotton.

The New York Times

According to analysis by HSBC and the World Resources Institute, a staggering 79% of new energy capacity will be built in areas that are already lacking water.

The Guardian

You don't need to use much at all, and even on long-haul flights this stuff lasts – and I really cannot stress enough how chronically dehydrated (ie lacking water) my skin normally feels.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Following promulgation of the 1960 treaty, the Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority built several linking canals and barrages to divert water from its western rivers to areas in the east lacking water.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

People lack water, food and shelter.

The Economist

The surface of this location lacks water and an atmosphere.

The New York Times

Yet if its operations lack water, you can bet the nearby schools and hospitals and households lack water too.

The Guardian

"We farmers still lack land, we lack water".

The New York Times

Hospitals are the one place that can't lack water".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of drought or climate change, use "lacking water" to underscore the consequences on communities, agriculture, and ecosystems.

Common error

Avoid using "lacking water" when a simpler adjective like "dry" or "arid" suffices. "The desert is dry" is often more effective than "The desert is lacking water".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacking water" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying nouns to indicate a deficiency or absence of water. It describes a state or condition. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Wiki

3%

Lifestyle

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lacking water" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe a deficiency or absence of water. Ludwig AI indicates that it is correct and usable in English. While alternatives like "devoid of water" or "short on water" may offer subtle variations in meaning or formality, "lacking water" serves as a neutral and clear way to convey the absence of sufficient water. It's particularly relevant in discussions about environmental issues, agriculture, and regions affected by drought. When a simpler word is applicable (e.g "dry") consider replacing it for conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deficient in water

This alternative uses a more formal tone, emphasizing the inadequacy of water.

devoid of water

Implies a complete absence of water, stronger than "lacking water".

short on water

A more informal expression, suggesting a temporary or relative shortage.

without water

A direct and simple way to express the absence of water.

waterless

A concise adjective describing something that has no water.

inadequate water supply

Focuses on the supply aspect, indicating an insufficient amount of water available.

scarce water resources

Highlights the scarcity of water as a resource.

water-deprived

Emphasizes the state of being without water, often due to external factors.

dry

A simple and common adjective referring to a state of lacking water or moisture.

arid

Used to describe a region or climate characterized by a severe lack of available water.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "lacking water"?

You can use alternatives like "deficient in water", "devoid of water", or "short on water" depending on the context.

Is "lacking water" grammatically correct?

Yes, "lacking water" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It functions as an adjective phrase describing something that does not have enough water.

How do I use "lacking water" in a sentence?

You can use "lacking water" to describe a situation or place. For example: "The crops are wilting, indicating they are "lacking water"" or "The region is "lacking water" due to the ongoing drought".

What is the difference between "lacking water" and "without water"?

"Lacking water" implies a deficiency or shortage, whereas "without water" suggests a complete absence. The choice depends on the degree of the water shortage you want to convey.