lacks credibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacks credibility" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that someone or something is not believable or trustworthy. For example: "His testimony in court lacks credibility, so I don't think the judge will take it into consideration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It absolutely lacks credibility".

The New York Times

It lacks credibility," Bury said.

The Guardian

This claim also lacks credibility.

Harvard University

It's that notion that now lacks credibility.

The Guardian - Business

"It lacks credibility," Mr. Meunier added.

The New York Times

The opposition coalition is divided and lacks credibility.

The New York Times

But if McCulloch lacks credibility, he apparently has political clout.

The Washington Post

Is it any wonder that the peace process lacks credibility?

The Washington Post

For him, the "west's moral voice lacks credibility.

The Guardian

He called it "patently insufficient" and said it "lacks credibility".

The New York Times

The committee correctly concludes that it lacks credibility and authority.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lacks credibility", ensure you provide specific reasons or evidence to support your assertion. This strengthens your argument and makes your critique more convincing.

Common error

Avoid stating that something "lacks credibility" without explaining why. Provide concrete examples or reasoning to justify your claim, or it may seem like an unfounded opinion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacks credibility" functions as a predicate, expressing that a subject does not possess the quality of being believable or trustworthy. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lacks credibility" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is not believable or trustworthy. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, indicating that it functions as a predicate to express doubt or disbelief. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Academia, maintaining a neutral register suitable for professional contexts. When using this phrase, it's best practice to support your claim with specific reasons or evidence. Alternatives such as "is not believable" or "is questionable" can be used to convey a similar meaning. With its frequent use and clear purpose, "lacks credibility" is a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not believable

Focuses on the quality of not being able to be believed.

is unreliable

Highlights the characteristic of not being dependable or trustworthy.

is questionable

Indicates that something is open to doubt or debate.

is doubtful

Emphasizes uncertainty about the truth or validity of something.

is unconvincing

Stresses the failure to persuade someone of something.

fails to persuade

Highlights the ineffectiveness in convincing someone.

rings hollow

Suggests that something sounds insincere or empty.

doesn't hold water

Indicates that an argument or explanation is weak or flawed.

is undermined by doubt

Suggests its integrity or soundness are eroded by uncertainty.

is deficient in believability

Specifically pinpoints that it lacks enough qualities for confidence in truth.

FAQs

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

You can use "lacks credibility" to express doubt about the believability of a statement, a person, or an idea. For example: "His alibi "lacks credibility" because there is no evidence to support it."

What's a formal alternative to "lacks credibility"?

Formal alternatives include "is not believable", "is unreliable", or "is questionable". These options maintain a professional tone while expressing doubt.

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

Both "lacks credibility" and "is lacking credibility" are grammatically correct. "Lacks credibility" is more concise, while "is lacking credibility" emphasizes a current state or process.

What can I say instead of "lacks credibility" to soften the statement?

To soften the statement, you could use phrases like "is somewhat questionable", "raises some doubts", or "is not entirely convincing". These options are less direct while still conveying skepticism.