lacks a clear rationale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacks a clear rationale" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a decision, argument, or action that does not have a well-defined or logical basis. Example: "The proposal for the new policy lacks a clear rationale, making it difficult to support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It's a messy solution and lacks a clear rationale," Turnbull told the public administration select committee last week.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The decision — a response to the NYCLU lawsuit — found that the policy lacked a clear rationale and could lead to "irreparable harm" for children affected by it.

Vice

The current lifetime exclusion was criticised by the men in our study, who saw it as inequitable, discriminatory, and, above all, lacking a clear rationale.

British Medical Journal

Use of concomitant medications with antipsychotic agents in the treatment of schizophrenia is common but lacks a clear scientific rationale.

Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry

The central bank's decision to leave rates alone was welcomed by economists, government officials and party politicians, many of whom have argued in recent weeks that the bank lacked a clear-cut rationale for raising rates and ran the risk of short-circuiting an economic recovery that some still find unconvincing.

The New York Times

The song lacks a clear, definitive beat.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

These good outcomes must be weighed against the cost of MRI, the high rate of short-interval follow-up and biopsies generated, and the lack of a clear rationale for using the examination for follow-up.

Breast Cancer Research

As far as we know, this has not been described before in the literature, and a clear rationale behind this phenomenon is lacking.

Biotechnology for Biofuels

We have a clear rationale.

The Guardian

There is a clear rationale for narrowly targeted diplomatic expulsions.

The New York Times

"We are asking for a clear rationale for the award".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lacks a clear rationale", ensure you provide context as to why the rationale is unclear. This strengthens your argument and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "lacks a clear rationale" too frequently in formal documents. While grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "devoid of logical basis" or "unjustified".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacks a clear rationale" primarily functions as a descriptor, often used to critique or evaluate decisions, policies, or arguments. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates the absence of a well-defined or logical basis. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in academic, news, and business contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lacks a clear rationale" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase employed to express the absence of a well-defined justification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate in various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While versatile, varying your language with alternatives like "no apparent justification" or "devoid of logical basis" can enhance your writing. Remember to provide context to strengthen your argument when using this phrase. While grammatically correct and commonly used, this phrase expresses a lack of something else. Use alternatives if you are overusing it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Lacking a valid explanation

Replaces "rationale" with "explanation", keeping the meaning similar.

No apparent justification

Focuses on the absence of justification, simplifying the original phrase.

Devoid of logical basis

Emphasizes the absence of a logical foundation.

Without a sound reason

Highlights the lack of a valid reason.

Without any logical support

Stresses the lack of logical backing.

Unjustified

Similar to unsubstantiated, this single word indicates a lack of justification.

Not based on reason

Highlights the absence of a reasoned foundation.

The reasoning is obscure

Highlights that while reasoning might exist, it's not clear or easily understood.

Unsubstantiated

This single word replaces the entire phrase with a more concise expression meaning not supported by evidence.

No good reason for it

An informal rephrasing, using everyday language.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "lacks a clear rationale"?

It means that there isn't an obvious or well-explained reason or justification for something. The reasoning behind it is either missing, weak, or difficult to understand.

How can I use "lacks a clear rationale" in a sentence?

You can say, "The decision to cut funding for the program "lacks a clear rationale", as it contradicts the stated goals of the organization." Always specify what exactly "lacks a clear rationale".

What are some alternatives to "lacks a clear rationale"?

Some alternatives include "lacks justification", "devoid of logical basis", or "unjustified". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "lacks a rationale" or "lacks a clear rationale"?

While "lacks a rationale" is grammatically correct, adding "clear" emphasizes that the clarity of the reasoning is the issue. "Lacks a clear rationale" is often stronger and more precise.