lacking work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacking work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone does not have employment or tasks to complete. Example: "After being laid off, he found himself lacking work for several months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Legalization has raised their pay and ended their fear of the police, who once jailed Mr. Cantos for lacking work papers.

The New York Times

Others say they wait tables, even when lacking work permits, in Japanese restaurants in New York where little English is required, or take cash jobs like posing nude for drawing classes in Chelsea art studios.

The New York Times

Immigrant Latinas explain that speaking up is not always an option when employers threaten to report them to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for lacking work authorization.

Huffington Post

At the forefront were the bureaucrats and health workers described as lacking work ethics and prone to corruption and migration in the private sector or abroad.

Health Research Policy and Systems

The high rate of victimization also highlights how susceptible these patients are to being victims of crime because of their mental disorder and the social context in which they live [ 30], as they are prone to become prey for criminals because of their disabilities, lacking work, or protected environments, often living in poor, dangerous neighborhoods with high crime rates [ 31].

BMC Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Journalists brought copies back into New Orleans, where some residents, lacking working radios, TVs or Internet, were anxious for any bit of news. .

Huffington Post

I'd better make the most of it.'" It's not that Sophie would lack work; far from it.

The Guardian - Film

Because they lack work visas, many of those students are still unable to secure jobs for which they may be qualified.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, not everybody has the skills to do so, as many firms lack work force training programs.

Journal of Business Research

Many immigrants lose their jobs out of fear of having to drive on a longer commute or are afraid to enter the workforce because they lack work authorization.

Huffington Post

Then there are the slapdash affairs that lack working toilets, edible food or decent sound systems.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a temporary situation, consider using "temporarily without work" instead of "lacking work" for increased clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "lacking work" when you actually mean "lacking a strong work ethic". The former refers to the absence of a job, while the latter refers to someone's attitude towards work.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacking work" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes the state of not having a job or sufficient employment. Ludwig provides examples illustrating this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lacking work" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that denotes the state of not having a job or sufficient employment. Ludwig AI confirms this, presenting examples primarily from news and media and scientific sources. While there are numerous alternative ways to convey a similar meaning, such as "unemployed" or "jobless", it's important to consider the specific context and desired level of formality. Using this phrase is generally safe and understood, but be mindful of its connotation and purpose in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

jobless

This single word directly describes the state of being without a job, offering a concise alternative.

unemployed

A common synonym that clearly indicates the lack of a job.

out of work

This phrase describes a temporary or current state of not having employment.

without employment

A more formal way to express the state of not having a job.

between jobs

This suggests a transitional period between two jobs, implying a temporary lack of work.

seeking employment

Focuses on the action of searching for work, implying a current lack thereof.

absence of work

Emphasizes the lack of work as a condition or situation.

experiencing joblessness

Highlights the personal experience of not having a job.

not currently employed

A formal and direct way to state the absence of a current job.

underemployed

Suggests having a job that doesn't fully utilize one's skills or experience, implying a lack of suitable work.

FAQs

What does "lacking work" mean?

The phrase "lacking work" means not having a job or sufficient tasks to perform; it indicates a state of unemployment or underemployment.

What are some alternatives to "lacking work"?

You can use alternatives like "unemployed", "jobless", or "out of work" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say someone is "lacking work ethic"?

While "lacking work" describes the absence of employment, "lacking a work ethic" describes someone who is lazy or unmotivated in their job. Although it shares the term "lacking", the meaning is completely different.

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

You might say, "Due to the economic downturn, many people found themselves "lacking work"" or "Immigrant Latinas explain that speaking up is not always an option when employers threaten to report them to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for "lacking work" authorization."