lacks power

USAGE SUMMARY

"lacks power" is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It means that something does not have enough strength or authority to achieve its intended purpose. Example: The new law lacks power to effectively reduce crime rates.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This car lacks power.

The New Yorker

It is well packaged, but lacks power.

Independent

The house lacks power, water and heat.

The New York Times

The steering lacks power assistance but directs the car nicely.

The New York Times

Reason lacks power to command, judge, or reform behavior.

The New Yorker

While Willis lacks power, he at least has expertise.

The Guardian

Naturally, her sound is worn, and she lacks power.

The New York Times - Arts

Benzema then tries his luck from distance but his shot lacks power.

The Guardian - Sport

He concluded that Congress lacks power under the Copyright Clause to expand the copyright terms of existing works.

Harvard University

Mr Khader argued that the new prime minister lacks power to negotiate a fair settlement for the Palestinians.

The Guardian

The National Association of Broadcasters told the FCC recently that the agency lacks power to make the change.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lacks power" to describe a system or organization, be specific about what kind of power is lacking (e.g., "lacks financial power", "lacks legal power").

Common error

Avoid using "lacks power" without specifying the context. Saying something simply "lacks power" can be vague. Instead, clarify what aspect of power is missing to provide more clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacks power" primarily functions as a predicate describing a subject's deficiency in strength, authority, or capability. As shown in Ludwig, it often connects a subject (e.g., "the engine", "the committee") with its state of lacking power.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lacks power" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that indicates a deficiency in strength, authority, or capability. As highlighted by Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing, making it a versatile and widely understood phrase. While generally acceptable, clarity is paramount; it's essential to specify what kind of power is lacking to avoid vagueness and ensure the intended message is clearly conveyed. Alternatives include "is ineffective" or "is deficient in strength". This makes "lacks power" a valuable tool for expressing inadequacy in numerous situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is ineffective

Directly states the lack of desired outcomes.

is impotent

Highlights a lack of the means to bring about change.

is deficient in strength

Emphasizes a deficiency in physical or inherent strength.

is devoid of potency

Stresses the absence of effective force or vigor.

is wanting in authority

Focuses specifically on a lack of official or legal authority.

is inadequate in force

Highlights the insufficient amount of force available.

is short on influence

Highlights a lack of persuasive or controlling influence.

is missing effectiveness

Focuses on the absence of the ability to produce the desired result.

is without capability

Emphasizes the absence of the required skills or ability.

is feeble in impact

Emphasizes a weak or negligible effect.

FAQs

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

You can use "lacks power" to indicate a deficiency in strength, authority, or ability. For example, "The old engine "lacks power" to climb steep hills effectively" or "The committee "lacks power" to enforce its decisions".

What are some alternatives to "lacks power"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "lacks power" include "is ineffective", "is deficient in strength", or "is wanting in authority".

Is it better to say "lacks power" or "is powerless"?

Both "lacks power" and "is powerless" can be correct, but "lacks power" often implies a relative deficiency, while "is powerless" suggests a complete absence of power. The choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "lacks power" in formal writing?

It is appropriate to use "lacks power" in formal writing when you need to objectively describe a deficiency in strength, authority, or capability. Ensure the context is clear and the usage aligns with the overall tone of the document.