no confidence

USAGE SUMMARY

"no confidence" is correct and usable in written English.
It usually refers to a lack of faith in a person's ability or character, but it can also refer to a lack of belief in a decision or system. For example, "The scandal revealed a lack of transparency and trust that led to a vote of no confidence in the government's ability to lead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

— May survive's no confidence vote.

The Washington Post

No confidence.

The Guardian

"I had no confidence.

The Guardian

He had no confidence!

The New York Times - Magazine

There is no confidence.

The New York Times

You have no confidence".

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Roughly a week later, May survived a no-confidence vote.

The Washington Post

That was a pretty stunning vote of no-confidence.

The Guardian - Tech

When will the vote on the no-confidence motion be?

The Guardian

The next month, May's government survived another no-confidence vote.

The Washington Post

As expected, Theresa May survived her no-confidence vote yesterday.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "no confidence", ensure the context clearly indicates what or whom the lack of confidence pertains to. For example, specify "no confidence in the leadership" rather than just "no confidence".

Common error

Avoid using "no confidence" without clearly stating what the confidence is lacking in. Saying "there is no confidence" leaves the audience wondering what or who lacks credibility. Always specify, for example, "no confidence in the government's economic policy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "no confidence" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It often acts as a subject complement or object, expressing a lack of belief or trust. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, indicating a widespread understanding and acceptance of this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

17%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "no confidence" is a well-established and frequently used expression indicating a lack of trust or belief. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability across diverse contexts, particularly in news, business, and political discussions. While synonyms like "lack of faith" or "distrust" can be used, it's crucial to clearly specify what or who the lack of confidence pertains to. Avoiding vagueness ensures effective communication. The phrase's neutral to professional register makes it suitable for conveying serious assessments, as demonstrated by the authoritative sources consistently employing it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of faith

Replaces "confidence" with a synonym focusing on belief or trust.

lack of trust

Emphasizes the absence of reliance or dependability.

absence of belief

Highlights the non-existence of conviction or certainty.

skepticism

Implies a doubting attitude or questioning of validity.

distrust

Directly indicates a feeling of unease or suspicion.

reservations

Suggests holding back complete agreement or acceptance.

doubts

Expresses uncertainty or lack of conviction.

lack of assurance

Focuses on the absence of certainty or guarantee.

apprehension

Implies a feeling of anxiety or fear about a future event.

unease

Suggests a general feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

FAQs

How can I use "no confidence" in a sentence?

You can use "no confidence" to express a lack of faith or trust in someone or something. For example, "The board expressed "a lack of confidence" in the CEO's ability to turn the company around".

What is a synonym for "no confidence"?

Alternatives to "no confidence" include "lack of faith", "distrust", or "skepticism", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "lack of confidence" or "no confidence"?

Both "no confidence" and "lack of confidence" are grammatically correct and widely used. "No confidence" can sometimes carry a stronger, more direct connotation than "lack of confidence".

What does a "vote of no confidence" mean?

A "vote of no confidence" is a formal process in parliamentary systems where members vote on whether they still support the current government or leader. If the vote passes, it can trigger a new election or a change in leadership.