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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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lacks efficacy

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacks efficacy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is ineffective or does not produce the desired results. Example: "The new marketing strategy lacks efficacy, as it has not increased our sales figures."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

This observation has provided further opportunity to investigate the reasons why in the in vivo assay model INH was highly efficacious while when tested in the in vitro assays it lacks efficacy against MIP even at higher concentrations.

Both infliximab and adalimumab have been shown to be effective in Crohn's disease while etanercept lacks efficacy in this disease.

Although the disease affects approximately 260 million people, the treatment relies exclusively on praziquantel, a drug discovered in the mid-1970s that lacks efficacy against the larval stages of the parasite.

Additionally, the assay has shown that, MIP is highly susceptible to isoniazid (INH) when tested in an in vivo assay model, however, when tested in an in vitro assay, isoniazid lacks efficacy against this Mycobacterium species even at higher concentrations [1, 15, 16, 17].

The 33% failure rate among patients with a preoperative negative cotton swab angle test result and the very low cotton swab straining angle among the 7% who had sling failures further confirms the widely held belief that sling urethropexy in the absence of hypermobility lacks efficacy.

Recent randomized controlled trials also suggest that memantine lacks efficacy in the treatment of FTD [ 34].

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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

As monotherapy, however, anti-angiogenic treatment lacked efficacy in randomized clinical studies so far.

Unfortunately, available therapies lack efficacy in preventing progression to its end stage phase.

Therefore, we cannot exclude that sepsis further aggravated PPAR-β/δ down-regulation and thus contributed to the lacking efficacy of GW0742.

The lacking efficacy of GW0742 is in contrast to previous studies in polymicrobial sepsis [2, 7], which, however, report data from young and otherwise healthy rodents.

Conclusion: Under the conditions of this trial, chlorhexidine vaginal irrigation lacked efficacy in the prevention of clinically diagnosed maternal and neonatal infectious morbidity.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing scientific or medical research, use "lacks efficacy" to clearly state that a treatment or intervention did not produce the intended results. This term is particularly useful when contrasting in vitro and in vivo studies, or when comparing different therapeutic approaches.

Common error

While "lacks efficacy" is technically correct, it can sound overly formal in everyday conversation or less formal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "doesn't work" or "is ineffective" to maintain a natural tone.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacks efficacy" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's inability to produce a desired result or effect. As Ludwig AI explains, the term is used to indicate ineffectiveness, often in scientific or medical contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

13%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lacks efficacy" is a grammatically correct and commonly used term, especially in scientific and medical fields, to describe something that is ineffective. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for formal contexts, clearly indicating the absence of desired results. While alternatives like "is ineffective" or "fails to work" exist, "lacks efficacy" offers a specific nuance, often implying a rigorous evaluation. When writing, be mindful to use simpler alternatives in less formal settings to maintain a natural tone. The phrase appears frequently in scientific journals and reports, emphasizing its role in objective, technical discourse.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "lacks efficacy"?

When something "lacks efficacy", it means that it is not effective or does not produce the desired result. It suggests that a treatment, method, or intervention has failed to achieve its intended outcome.

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

You can use "lacks efficacy" to describe treatments, methods, or interventions that do not work as intended. For example, "The study showed that the new drug "lacks efficacy" in treating the disease."

What are some alternatives to saying "lacks efficacy"?

Alternatives to "lacks efficacy" include "is ineffective", "is not effective", or "fails to work". The choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "lacks efficacy" or "has no effect"?

Both "lacks efficacy" and "has no effect" indicate the absence of a desired outcome. "Lacks efficacy" often implies a more rigorous or scientific evaluation, while "has no effect" is more general. The better choice depends on the formality and context of the discussion.

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Most frequent sentences: