lacks foundation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacks foundation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an argument, claim, or idea is not supported by sufficient evidence or reasoning. Example: "The proposal for the new policy lacks foundation, as it does not provide any data to support its effectiveness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The charges lacked foundation, and the House of Lords refused to accept them; but by November, under threat of trial by a special court, Clarendon was forced to flee.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I accept that there are valid criticisms of my conduct in this matter but for the second time in a week, I seem to be the subject of serious allegations which lack foundation.

The Guardian

Letters are welcome via e-mail to [email protected] tradingSIR – It is deeply concerning that you would publish a report that is so lacking foundation and filled with innuendo.

The Economist

"I seem to be the subject of serious allegations which lack foundation," he said.. Members of the dominant Conservative Party opposed the direct censure of Mr. Murdoch, while members of the Liberal Democrat junior coalition partner joined the Labor opposition in supporting the censure.

The New York Times

Intravital holds considerable promise as a research tool but, like gastric tonometry, its universal application appears to lack foundation, for the present at least.

Critical Care

Mr Hoare, 68, says: "When we bought our house in 1983 we were aware it had subsidence and, following an engineering report, we had the necessary underpinning carried out as we found it lacked foundations.

The Guardian - Money

Furthermore, the civil institutions lack foundations and roots; they have limited historical experience.

Huffington Post

Whole hillsides contained residences, lacking foundations and that had not been constructed according to any building codes.

Huffington Post

This means it lacks a foundation in the power of either the market or the state.

The Economist

At the same time, cold recycling, or re-manufacturing, of sheet metals is an emerging area studied mostly empirically; in its current form, it lacks theoretical foundation.

International Journal of Mechanical Sciences

Due to its abstractness, the model lacks theoretical foundation and is thus more of a framework that needs to be filled with theories which is exactly what we do in the next section.

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lacks foundation", ensure you can clearly articulate why something lacks foundation. Providing specific reasons strengthens your critique.

Common error

Avoid simply stating something "lacks foundation" without providing supporting evidence or reasoning. This can weaken your argument and make it seem like a personal opinion rather than an objective assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacks foundation" primarily functions as a predicate expressing that something is deficient in essential support or justification. It is used to critically assess claims, arguments, or systems. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lacks foundation" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is deficient in necessary support, evidence, or reasoning. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is a valid and usable phrase in English writing.

Primarily utilized in News & Media and Science, the phrase serves to critically evaluate arguments or structures, often to challenge their validity. While neutral to formal in register, it emphasizes a deficiency in support. Alternative phrases include "is unfounded" and "is baseless". When employing "lacks foundation", ensure you provide clear reasoning to bolster your assessment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is without basis

Emphasizes the absence of a fundamental reason or justification.

is unsupported

Highlights the lack of evidence or data to back up a claim.

is groundless

Suggests that an idea or argument has no valid or logical basis.

is baseless

Similar to groundless, implying a complete lack of factual support.

is unfounded

Indicates that a rumor, fear, or belief is not based on fact.

is devoid of substance

Highlights the lack of meaningful content or reality.

is without merit

Suggests that something has no value or worth.

is built on sand

Emphasizes the weakness and instability of the base or source.

has no justification

Stresses the absence of a legitimate reason or excuse.

is theoretically weak

Highlights deficiency in the theoretical framework supporting the argument.

FAQs

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

You can use "lacks foundation" to express that an argument, claim, or theory is not supported by evidence or sound reasoning. For example, "The politician's promises "lacks foundation" because they are not based on realistic economic projections."

What are some alternatives to "lacks foundation"?

Some alternatives include "is unfounded", "is baseless", "is unsupported", or "is without merit", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "lacks a foundation" or "lacks foundation"?

Both "lacks a foundation" and "lacks foundation" are grammatically correct and generally interchangeable. The choice often depends on stylistic preference and the specific context. For example, "The building "lacks a strong foundation"" might be preferred over "The building "lacks strong foundation"".

What does it mean when something "lacks foundation"?

When something "lacks foundation", it means it is not built upon solid reasoning, evidence, or support. It suggests that the idea, argument, or structure is weak and likely to fail or be proven incorrect.