lacks strength

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacks strength" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is weak or insufficient in power, impact, or effectiveness. Example: "The argument presented in the essay lacks strength, making it difficult to convince the reader of its validity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

And her squiggling outline is disconcerting, too - it lacks strength.

The New York Times - Books

Jimmy Sullivan rides and I think they're worth chancing in a race that lacks strength in depth.

The Guardian - Sport

In its superpure condition (99.99 percent), aluminum lacks strength and hardness but is formable, weldable, corrosion-resistant, and an excellent conductor of electricity.

Britannica

Marge - Marge has good reach but lacks strength.

Wikipedia

11 14 16 Taken together, the pleiotropic effects of ACE inhibitors were suggested to reduce the incidence of pneumonia, but available clinical evidence lacks strength 17 18 19 and published results have been contradictory.

British Medical Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"It lacked strength and vision".

The New York Times

However, without them, concepts such as this would lack strength.

The Guardian

Her four-month-old baby, lacking strength to suck, died about 10 days later.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Motivation was not lacking, strength was," said the world No2 Ferrero, who was beaten in 2hr 13min.

The Guardian - Sport

Van Dyck was a handsome man, but his features lacked strength, and he was rather short.

Britannica

The joints in his hips, knees and shoulders were rubbery and lacking strength.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, ensure the context clearly indicates what kind of "strength" is being referred to (e.g., "lacks strength of conviction", "lacks economic strength").

Common error

While grammatically sound, relying heavily on "lacks strength" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "is deficient", "is wanting", or more specific adjectives like "weak" or "feeble" to enhance clarity and engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacks strength" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "lacks" is the verb indicating a deficiency or absence and "strength" is the noun representing the quality that is missing. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, where the phrase is used to describe deficiencies in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

18%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Science

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lacks strength" is a grammatically sound expression used to indicate a deficiency in power, force, or effectiveness. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability. It appears across various contexts, including news media, encyclopedias, and wikis, suggesting a neutral register. While not exceedingly common, "lacks strength" is a versatile phrase. For more formal writing, synonyms like "is deficient in strength" may be preferred. Varying vocabulary helps to avoid repetition and improve the overall quality of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is deficient in strength

Replaces "lacks" with "is deficient in", emphasizing a lack or shortage of strength.

is wanting in strength

Uses "is wanting in" to indicate a lack or absence of strength, sounding slightly more formal.

is inadequate in strength

Highlights the insufficiency of strength, specifying that the level is not enough.

is devoid of strength

Emphasizes a complete absence of strength using "devoid of", suggesting a more severe deficiency.

is weak

Offers a more concise and direct synonym, simplifying the original phrase.

is feeble

Suggests a delicate or frail lack of strength, implying vulnerability.

is powerless

Implies an inability to exert force or influence, shifting the focus to a lack of power.

is frail

Conveys a delicate or fragile kind of weakness, often associated with physical condition.

is flimsy

Suggests a lack of solidity or substance, often used for objects or arguments.

is unsubstantial

Emphasizes a lack of real or lasting quality, suitable for abstract concepts.

FAQs

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

You can use "lacks strength" to describe something that is weak or insufficient in power, impact, or effectiveness. For example, "The argument presented in the essay "lacks strength", making it difficult to convince the reader of its validity."

What can I say instead of "lacks strength"?

You can use alternatives like "is weak", "is feeble", or "is deficient in strength" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "is deficient in strength" or "lacks strength"?

"Is deficient in strength" is generally considered more formal than ""lacks strength"". The former uses a more sophisticated vocabulary, making it suitable for academic or professional writing.

What is implied when something "lacks strength"?

When something ""lacks strength"", it implies that it is unable to withstand pressure, is easily broken, or is ineffective in achieving its intended purpose. The exact implication depends on the context in which the phrase is used.