lacks a definitive answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacks a definitive answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a question or topic that does not have a clear or conclusive response. Example: "The question of whether life exists on other planets often lacks a definitive answer, as scientists continue to explore the universe."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

I doubt only one factor is at work, but it seems that we lack a definitive answer.

The Guardian

However, the genome lacks a definitive full-length arcB gene.

BMC Genomics

Herpes is one common STD that lacks a definitive test.

WikiHow

The lack of a definitive answer caused others, and even Dunham herself, to doubt her pain.

Huffington Post

But where one party's case depends upon a construction of a state statute under which it plainly must be held to violate the Federal Constitution, and where the proper construction of the statute is a matter of grave doubt, this Court will rest its decision on the Constitution, and will not undertake to decide the question of construction as to which it lacks the power to give a definitive answer.

Cornell University

Although generalizable, lack of a placebo precludes a definitive answer in terms of efficacy that lactobacilli and bifidobacteria may provide in CDAD prevention.

Medical Hypotheses

"It is good to see this kind of research, but a definitive answer isn't really possible given the lack of chronological control," says archaeologist Terry Hunt of the University of Hawaii, Manoa, who has worked extensively on the island.

Science Magazine

The diversity and lack of available trials plus the unsatisfactory quality of existing trials prevent a definitive answer at this time.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

We were also surprised by the lack of localization or whole-organelle current phenotype for the K614E variant, and do not have a definitive answer regarding why it is associated with oculocutaneous albinism.

eLife

He never settled on a definitive answer.

The New York Times - Arts

– now has a definitive answer: both.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "lacks a definitive answer", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific question or problem is unresolved. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "lacks a definitive answer" when some evidence or preliminary findings exist. Instead, acknowledge the available information while noting that further research is needed for a conclusive result.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacks a definitive answer" functions as a descriptive statement. It indicates that a particular question, problem, or issue does not have a clear, conclusive, or universally accepted solution. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lacks a definitive answer" is a grammatically correct and usable expression used to convey the absence of a clear, conclusive, or universally accepted solution to a particular question or problem. As Ludwig AI indicates, the expression is valid. While the phrase can be used in various contexts, including science, news, and formal business settings, it's essential to ensure the context is clear and that the uncertainty isn't overstated. Related phrases include "remains uncertain" and "is still unresolved". When using this phrase, clarity is key to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a definitive solution has not been found

Emphasizes the unsuccessful search for a concrete answer.

the issue is still unresolved

Points out the ongoing nature of the problem without a solution.

the answer remains uncertain

Highlights the unresolved nature of the question.

a clear resolution is missing

Emphasizes the absence of a distinct solution.

there's no firm conclusion

Indicates the lack of a solid or established decision.

there is no conclusive evidence

Focuses on the absence of strong proof or data.

we can't say with certainty

Highlights the inability to make a confident statement.

no one knows for sure

Expresses a general lack of knowledge or certainty.

the matter is open to interpretation

Indicates that different understandings are possible.

the final word is yet to be said

Suggests that the matter is not yet settled or decided.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "lacks a definitive answer"?

It means that there is no clear, conclusive, or universally accepted solution or explanation for a particular question or problem.

How can I use "lacks a definitive answer" in a sentence?

You can say, "The question of whether aliens exist "lacks a definitive answer" due to the absence of concrete evidence."

What can I say instead of "lacks a definitive answer"?

You can use alternatives like "remains uncertain", "is still unresolved", or "has no clear solution" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "lacks a definitive answer" and "is open to interpretation"?

"Lacks a definitive answer" means there's no known solution, while "is open to interpretation" implies multiple valid understandings exist, but no single one is confirmed.