lacks application

USAGE SUMMARY

"lacks application" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe someone or something that has not applied the necessary work or effort, for example: "He lacks application when it comes to his studies and has yet to pass his exams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He also expressed, in broken but unambiguous English, some impatience with the notion that he is prodigiously gifted but lacks application.

Independent

However, that simple rule lacks application here; for the operator with widest scope in the conclusion is "if", and not an imperative.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The City Council found that some office addresses were incorrectly listed and that some offices lacked application forms.

The New York Times

Brazil, as so often in recent years under a succession of coaching regimes, glittered with talent but lacked application and method.

The Guardian - Sport

While spending a few days in jail for avoiding conscription in the army, Mr. Depardieu's Balzac describes himself to visitors, including Victor Hugo, with a torrent of adjectives: "Those who thought I was vain, extravagant, stubborn, conceited, careless, lazy, lacking application, unthinking and totally inconsistent, long-winded, tactless, impolite, capricious and moody are justified".

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Leach, the Republican official who completed the lacking applications, said in a deposition filed in court here today that he had been instructed by the state party's political director "to go to the Seminole County supervisor of elections office and correct a mistake that the Republican Party of Florida had made on absentee ballot request forms".

The New York Times

He wanted to attend an American graduate school but lacked the application fees.

The New York Times

In an age where footballers are routinely stereotyped as lacking in application, his chutzpah is only to be saluted.

The Guardian - Sport

This was a cute technical trick, but one that lacked an application until the Internet explosion put traditional telecom networks, designed for voice traffic, under strain.

The Economist

Nor is Goodman's approach lacking in application to real musical cases, as his discussion of alternative musical notations proves.

SEP

Furthermore, existing partial comparisons lack the application of powerful statistical tools.

Computers & Operations Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lacks application", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific area or task the subject is deficient in. For instance, "The student lacks application in mathematics, resulting in poor grades."

Common error

Avoid using "lacks application" as a blanket statement about someone's character. Be specific about the task, skill, or area where application is lacking to avoid misinterpretations and provide constructive feedback.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacks application" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating a deficiency in effort or practical implementation. As Ludwig AI shows, it often describes a person's work ethic or a project's execution.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lacks application" effectively communicates a deficiency in effort or practical implementation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its use in assessing performance across various domains. While adaptable to different contexts, "lacks application" finds prevalence in professional and neutral registers, as well as appearing in Science, News and Media. To enhance writing, clarity is key: specify the area where application is lacking to provide constructive feedback. Alternatives such as ""deficient in effort"" offer nuanced ways to convey the same meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deficient in effort

Emphasizes the absence of required effort.

devoid of diligence

Highlights the absence of careful and persistent work.

wanting in dedication

Focuses on the absence of commitment and enthusiasm.

short on industriousness

Stresses the insufficient amount of hard work and energy.

deficient in practicality

Highlights the absence of real-world usability.

wanting real-world use

Focuses on the absence of utility in actual situations.

lacking effective implementation

Highlights the absence of a successful application of an idea or plan.

deficient in hands-on experience

Focuses on the absence of practical skills gained through direct involvement.

unpracticed

Implies a lack of practical experience or skill.

unapplied

Directly indicates that something has not been put to use.

FAQs

How can I use "lacks application" in a sentence?

You can use "lacks application" to describe someone or something that does not apply sufficient effort or diligence to a task or area. For example: "The project "lacks application" of industry best practices."

What are some alternative phrases for "lacks application"?

Alternatives include "deficient in effort", "devoid of diligence", or "wanting in dedication", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "lacks application" or "is lacking in application"?

Both "lacks application" and "is lacking in application" are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning. The choice depends on your preferred writing style and the rhythm of the sentence.

What does it mean when someone "lacks application"?

When someone ""lacks application"", it means they do not put enough effort, focus, or diligence into their work or studies. This can result in underperformance or failure to reach their potential.