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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
lacks efficacy
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE 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
Alternative expressions(20)
is out of order
is a waste of time
is inoperative
is not proficient
proves ineffective
is not functioning
has no effect
is unproductive
has not been engaged
is failing to produce results
has not been worked
is of no use
fails to deliver results
is not effective
is underperforming
is unsuccessful
is ineffective
is not real
is not capable
is not efficient
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
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.
Science
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].
Science
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.
Science
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.
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.
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.
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.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
is ineffective
Replaces "lacks efficacy" with a simpler, more direct term for not producing the desired effect.
is not effective
Uses a slightly more formal tone while conveying the same meaning of ineffectiveness.
fails to work
Emphasizes the failure of a method or treatment to achieve its intended purpose.
is without effect
Highlights the absence of any impact or result from a particular action or treatment.
does not deliver results
Focuses on the absence of tangible outcomes or positive changes.
is unproductive
Indicates that the effort or method does not yield a satisfactory result.
is unavailing
Implies that despite attempts or efforts, the method is ultimately futile.
offers no benefit
Specifically highlights the absence of any positive advantage or gain.
is of no use
Emphasizes the lack of utility or practicality of a method or treatment.
is deficient in effectiveness
A more formal phrasing, stressing a lack of capability to produce a desired result.
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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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested