lacks clarity

USAGE SUMMARY

"lacks clarity" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something or someone is not clear or understandable. For example: "The instructions for assembling the furniture lacked clarity, resulting in a confusing process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The orchestration sometimes lacks clarity.

The New York Times - Arts

Values based selection lacks clarity and valid measures.

Nurse Education Today

Critics have argued that the private sector role lacks clarity.

The Guardian

The current law also lacks clarity about punishments for a convicted rapist.

The New York Times

China lacks clarity over who is liable if a product or lender fails.

The New York Times

"I think Serbia lacks clarity in its foreign policy," Ms. Tahiri said.

The New York Times

As yet Labour's message lacks clarity to spell out that stark choice.

The Guardian - Opinion

The energy industry has fought the regulation for years, claiming it lacks clarity.

The New York Times

Partly because the storytelling lacks clarity, and partly because of the overkill.

The Guardian

Yet, even Wesco's family lacks clarity about what happened the day he was killed.

The Washington Post

But the lack of funding is only one issue that lacks clarity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lacks clarity", specify what exactly lacks clarity to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The report lacks clarity", specify "The report lacks clarity regarding the budget allocation".

Common error

While "lacks clarity" is acceptable, avoid overuse in formal documents. Substitute with more precise terms like "ambiguous", "vague", or "ill-defined" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacks clarity" primarily functions as a descriptive phrase, often used to indicate a deficiency in the understandability or explicitness of something. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts, from policy documents to artistic performances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lacks clarity" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is not easily understood. As shown by Ludwig, it is frequently used in news, science, and formal business contexts. While versatile, it's essential to specify what exactly "lacks clarity" to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "is ambiguous" or "is vague" may offer more precision in certain situations. Overall, "lacks clarity" is a valuable tool for identifying areas needing improvement in communication and expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not clear

Uses a more direct and simple construction to express the absence of clarity.

is ambiguous

Emphasizes the presence of multiple possible interpretations, rather than a complete lack of clarity.

is vague

Highlights the lack of precision and detail.

is obscure

Suggests the clarity is hidden or difficult to perceive.

is unintelligible

Indicates that it cannot be understood.

is difficult to understand

Focuses on the effort required to comprehend.

is not well-defined

Highlights the absence of a clear and precise definition.

is poorly articulated

Refers to the expression of something lacking clarity.

suffers from obscurity

Indicates that the subject has the problem of lacking clarity.

leaves room for interpretation

Emphasizes the ambiguity and subjectivity in understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "lacks clarity" to describe something that is difficult to understand. For example: "The policy document "lacks clarity" on the implementation process".

What can I say instead of "lacks clarity"?

You can use alternatives like "is ambiguous", "is vague", or "is obscure" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "lacks clarity" or "is lacking clarity"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but ""lacks clarity"" is more concise and often preferred in formal writing. "Is lacking clarity" is more descriptive but can sound less direct.

What's the difference between "lacks clarity" and "is unclear"?

"Lacks clarity" directly states the absence of clarity as a characteristic, while "is unclear" describes the current state of being not clear. They are often interchangeable, but "lacks clarity" can be perceived as slightly more formal.