lacks support

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacks support" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has not been given the resources or backing it needs. For example, "The project lacks support from the executive team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The old order has failed and lacks support.

The Guardian - Opinion

Palringo also lacks support for MySpace — remember MySpace?

The New York Times - Tech

Mr Rusnok, a former finance minister, lacks support.

The Economist

The case for the first group, the hard workers, lacks support.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It's unquestionable that rewarding those people lacks support among the American people".

The New York Times

But at this point his singing lacks support, body, energy and style.

The New York Times

Clinton's claim that crime rates were immediately and dramatically affected by the law lacks support.

The Guardian

Three added minutes, and Watmore goes away, but he lacks support.

The Guardian - Sport

At odds with long-time constitutional practice, Mr Rusnok lacks support in parliament.

The Economist

But the measure lacks support from Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and similar initiatives have failed in the past.

The New York Times

In return, the FJP claims the NSF wants to walk away from the democratic process simply because it lacks support.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lacks support", be specific about what or who is not providing the necessary support. This adds clarity and strengthens your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "lacks support" when you actually mean "is opposed". While something that is opposed may also lack support, the terms are not interchangeable. Opposition implies active resistance, whereas lack of support simply means absence of active endorsement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacks support" functions primarily as a predicate in a sentence. It describes a subject's deficiency in terms of endorsement, resources, or validation. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lacks support" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is deficient in endorsement, evidence, or resources. Ludwig AI indicates its appropriateness across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. When using this phrase, clarity is key: be specific about what or who is not providing the support. While versatile, avoid substituting it for "is opposed" unless the context truly reflects an absence of active endorsement rather than active resistance. Alternatives like "is unsupported" or "is without backing" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unsupported

Replaces "lacks support" with a passive construction emphasizing the absence of support.

is unfounded

Indicates a lack of a solid basis or foundation.

is without backing

Emphasizes the absence of concrete support or resources.

is unsubstantiated

Emphasizes the lack of evidence to prove or justify something.

is deficient in endorsement

Focuses on the lack of formal approval or validation.

is bereft of endorsement

A more formal way of saying something lacks approval or support.

is unconfirmed

Highlights the absence of verification or validation, especially in the context of information or claims.

fails to gain traction

Indicates an inability to attract interest, approval, or momentum.

is wanting in affirmation

Highlights the absence of positive confirmation or validation.

does not hold water

Suggests that an argument or idea is flawed and cannot withstand scrutiny.

FAQs

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

You can use "lacks support" to indicate that something is missing endorsement, evidence, or resources. For example, "The proposed policy "lacks support" from key stakeholders".

What's a more formal alternative to "lacks support"?

More formal alternatives include "is unsupported", "is deficient in endorsement", or "is without backing". Each of these phrases offers a more elevated tone while conveying a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "lacks support" or "doesn't have support"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and generally interchangeable. "Lacks support" might be perceived as slightly more formal, while "doesn't have support" is more conversational. The best choice depends on the context and desired tone.

What does it mean when something "lacks support"?

When something "lacks support", it means it does not have the necessary resources, evidence, or approval to succeed or be validated. This can apply to ideas, policies, arguments, or even physical structures.