lacks thickness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacks thickness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not sufficiently thick, whether referring to physical objects, textures, or even abstract concepts like arguments or ideas. Example: "The paint on the wall lacks thickness, making it appear uneven and requiring a second coat."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The fourth theme, the dimensionless (wu hou, literally "lacking thickness"), is more obscure, mentioned only once in the Xunzi and once in the Annals of Lü Buwei.

SEP

It's all a bit too Chandleresque and relentlessly hardboiled, with little of the suggestive symbolic depths of A Star Called Henry; but what it lacks in human thickness it makes up for in pace and drama.

The Guardian - Books

It is a rather questionable relative of the plane, for, though it lifts shavings in a similar manner, it lacks the positive thickness control of the plane.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although a mesh is commonly used to model the brain's surface (as in Figure 2b), this method failed to print because the mesh lacks information about the thickness of the surface and is too thin to print.

Plosone

In conclusion, using mitomycin-C in PRK for myopia greater than -5.00D seems safe and effective, and can reduce haze formation after surgery; therefore it can be considered a suitable alternative for patients with myopia greater than -5.00 D whose corneas lack an appropriate thickness to perform LASIK with a desirable optical zone.

BMC Ophthalmology

Two of them affect the Marnes à Ovoïdes (Jurassic) in GPK-1 and GPK-2, which lacks two-thirds of it thickness (Fig. 5).

Geothermal Energy

An ischemic zone is created by suturing off two of the three arteries that supply the ear before making punch biopsy wounds down to the cartilage to create a full-thickness wound that lacks a vascular base and has very little lateral vascular supply (Ahn and Mustoe, 1990).

DMM Disease Models and Mechanisms

The problem with kidney exchange was a lack of thickness; the goal of regional and eventually of national kidney exchange is to establish thickness.

Harvard Business Review

Specifically, the research team identified a lack of "thickness" in the detail on context, team roles, and processes from the review of the RCTs.

Human Resources for Health

Typical deposit characteristics include reproducible circular deposits of uniform thickness that lack any splatter as found in earlier designs.

Journal of Chromatography A

Moreover, examination of the epidermis revealed a 50% reduction in thickness in animals lacking Siglec-E.

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, use "lacks thickness" to critique the level of detail or development. For instance, "The argument lacks thickness" suggests it needs more supporting evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "lacks thickness" in casual conversation. Opt for simpler terms like "thin" or "shallow" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacks thickness" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe something that is deficient in physical depth or, metaphorically, in substance or detail. As noted by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Academia

10%

Wiki

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lacks thickness" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe a deficiency in either physical depth or abstract substance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While it can be employed across various contexts, it is particularly suited for formal and analytical writing, such as in scientific reports, news articles, or professional documents. The phrase is more formal than alternatives like "is thin" or "is shallow", and careful consideration of the context is essential to ensure appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is thin

Focuses on the physical dimension of being not thick.

is deficient in depth

Emphasizes the absence of profoundness or complexity.

is wanting in substance

Highlights the lack of essential content or material.

is shallow

Suggests a lack of physical or intellectual depth.

is unsubstantial

Indicates a lack of solidity or reality.

is flimsy

Implies weakness due to a lack of thickness or strength.

is papery

Compares the thinness to that of paper.

has no body

Suggests a lack of substantial form or quality.

is sheer

Indicates extreme thinness and transparency.

is featherweight

Highlights extreme lightness due to minimal thickness.

FAQs

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

You can use "lacks thickness" to describe something that is not sufficiently thick, whether referring to physical objects, textures, or even abstract concepts like arguments or ideas. Example: "The paint on the wall lacks thickness, making it appear uneven and requiring a second coat."

What can I say instead of "lacks thickness"?

You can use alternatives like "is thin", "is deficient in depth", or "is wanting in substance" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "lacks thickness" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "lacks thickness" in formal writing when you want to emphasize a deficiency in depth, substance, or complexity. It is suitable for academic, scientific, or technical contexts.

Is "lacks thickness" a formal or informal phrase?

"Lacks thickness" leans towards formal usage, often found in analytical or descriptive contexts where precision is valued. In more casual settings, simpler terms like "thin" or "shallow" might be more appropriate.