lacks one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacks one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is missing a single item or element. Example: "The recipe is almost complete, but it lacks one crucial ingredient."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's an idiot and we count his fuck-ups on an episode by episode basis, but he lacks one key ingredient: poor motivation.

The Guardian

** Unable to settle on a purpose — unable, even, to realize that he lacks one — he becomes a polite, obedient employee.

The New Yorker

Daniel Boulud says his classic-six apartment on 65th Street and Park Avenue, above his restaurant Daniel, lacks one essential ingredient: a good kitchen.

The New York Times - Magazine

apparently lacks one vital quality: talent.

The New York Times

But Mr. McCain lacks one component of his generation's makeup: its respect for organization and collaboration.

The New York Times

"Taken" lacks one of the hallmarks of good science fiction: surprise.

The New York Times - Arts

As a musical fable, it has many virtues but it lacks one vital ingredient: dramatic tension.

The Guardian

Because the city lacks one, some brokers say, chaos has reigned.

The New York Times

The hospital lacks one crucial piece of equipment: the brachytherapy machine.

The Guardian

And then one day I found it: the soul of a city that residents often say lacks one.

The New York Times - Arts

Although the iPhone has many features to offer, it lacks one particularly handy tool, a zoom lens for its camera.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lacks one", ensure the context clearly indicates what is missing and why its absence is significant. This makes the statement more impactful and informative.

Common error

Avoid using "lacks one" in overly complex sentences where the meaning might become unclear. Simpler phrasing often improves readability and prevents ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacks one" primarily functions as a verbal phrase used to indicate that a subject is missing a specific, singular item or component. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically sound, with many examples showing it in various contexts. For example, "The city lacks one thing: a voice."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lacks one" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a singular deficiency or missing component. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears in diverse contexts, most commonly in News & Media and Science. While generally neutral in register, it can be adapted to more formal settings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about what is missing and its significance. Consider alternatives like "is missing one" for a less formal tone. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, writers can effectively employ "lacks one" to convey specific information with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is missing one

Direct synonym; emphasizes absence from a set.

is deficient in one

Highlights deficiency rather than simple absence.

is short of one

Suggests a required quantity is not met.

has a deficit of one

Formal; indicates a shortfall or insufficiency.

is without one

Emphasizes the absence or exclusion of something.

omits one

Highlights the act of leaving something out.

excludes one

Suggests intentional removal or barring.

does not include one

Neutral; indicates the absence of inclusion.

is absent one

Indicates something expected is not present.

is wanting one

Formal; expresses a lack or deficiency.

FAQs

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

Use "lacks one" to indicate that something is missing a single, specific component. For example, "The recipe is almost perfect, but it lacks one key ingredient".

What are some alternatives to "lacks one"?

You can use alternatives such as "is missing one", "is deficient in one", or "is short of one" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "is missing one" or "lacks one"?

Both "lacks one" and "is missing one" are grammatically correct. "Lacks one" is slightly more formal, while "is missing one" is more conversational. The choice depends on the tone and audience.

What does it mean when something "lacks one"?

When something "lacks one", it means that it is missing a single, identifiable item or component that is needed or expected. It highlights a specific deficiency.