lacks the ability to perform

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacks the ability to perform" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that does not have the necessary skills or capabilities to carry out a specific task or function. Example: "The new software lacks the ability to perform complex calculations, which limits its usefulness for advanced users."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

A slimmed-down mobile JVM, for instance, lacks the ability to perform complex server tasks, which are a drain on processing power and would unnecessarily slow down a smartphone.

The Economist

But this view too is implausible, for it is plausible, at least by the lights of our ordinary judgments, that there are many actions that it is metaphysically possible for someone to perform that she lacks the ability to perform.

SEP

Although being adapted to alcohol-rich environments these species were not reported in wine and differ from O. oeni in that O. kitaharae lacks the ability to perform MLF (Marcobal et al. 2008) and O. alcoholitolerans produces acid from sucrose, a characteristic that is rarely found among O. oeni strains (Badotti et al. 2014; Dimopoulou et al. 2014).

Genome Biology and Evolution

The chloroplast is a unique environment for the production of recombinant proteins as the chloroplast contains a variety of chaperones [ 31, 32] and protein disulfide isomerases [ 33] that allow for the correct folding of complex mammalian proteins, yet the chloroplast lacks the ability to perform several post-translational protein modifications in mammalian systems, such as glycosylation.

BMC Biotechnology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Combinational logic devices lack true memory, and, therefore, lack the ability to perform sequential operations.

Engineering Digital Design

The S.E.C.'s technology systems, for example, lack the ability to perform sophisticated analysis of large batches of financial material.

The New York Times

Some current bioretention models lack the ability to perform long-term simulations and others have never been calibrated from field monitored bioretention cells with underdrains.

Journal of Hydrology

It provides a collection of resources to researchers lacking the ability to perform advanced experiments because of limited exposure to software-defined radio and CR platforms.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Those topological or structural fingerprints, like the MACCS keys [12] or Daylight fingerprints [13], are often used but lack the ability to perform "scaffold-hoppings" [14].

Journal of Cheminformatics

Given this, an animal, an infant, or an insane person will lack the ability to perform the intellectual tasks involved in the production of moral sentiment.

SEP

Standards like these reinforce the public perception that government employees lack the ability to perform at the level of their private sector counterparts.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lacks the ability to perform", ensure the context clearly defines the specific task or function that is deficient.

Common error

Avoid using "lacks the ability to perform" without specifying what the subject is unable to do. Vague statements reduce clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacks the ability to perform" functions as a descriptor, indicating a deficiency or absence of capability in a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. This phrase modifies the subject, explaining what it is incapable of doing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lacks the ability to perform" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a deficiency in capability or skill. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and it frequently appears in scientific and news contexts. When employing this phrase, it's essential to specify the deficient task or function for clarity. While alternatives like "is incapable of performing" exist, the choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey. Avoid overly broad statements to ensure your writing is precise and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is incapable of performing

Emphasizes the inherent inability to carry out a task.

is unable to execute

Focuses on the failure to complete or enact something.

is not equipped to handle

Highlights the absence of necessary resources or preparation.

cannot accomplish

Simple and direct way to express the failure to achieve something.

is deficient in the capacity to

More formal and emphasizes the lack of inherent potential.

is without the means to

Highlights the absence of necessary tools or resources.

is ineffective at

Focuses on the lack of positive results when trying to perform.

falls short in

Suggests a failure to meet the required standard or expectation.

fails to achieve

Simple and direct way to express the failure to accomplish something.

is ill-equipped to

Emphasizes the lack of preparedness or suitability for a task.

FAQs

How can I use "lacks the ability to perform" in a sentence?

Use "lacks the ability to perform" to describe a deficiency in capability or skill. For instance, "The software "lacks the ability to perform" complex calculations".

What are some alternatives to "lacks the ability to perform"?

Alternatives include "is incapable of performing", "is unable to execute", or "cannot accomplish".

Is it better to say "lacks the ability to perform" or "is unable to perform"?

Both "lacks the ability to perform" and "is unable to perform" are correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on the desired tone and context.

What's the difference between "lacks the ability to perform" and "is not equipped to handle"?

"Lacks the ability to perform" generally indicates a fundamental deficiency in skill or capability, while "is not equipped to handle" suggests a lack of necessary resources or preparation.