notably lacking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "notably lacking" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is noticeably absent or missing from a particular situation or context. Example: Although the restaurant was known for its extensive menu, vegetarian options were notably lacking.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the preliminary report was notably lacking in significant details.

The New York Times

The company notably lacking a splashy ad? Apple.

The New York Times

Notably lacking from the campus conservatives' activities were programs to do beneficial work in real communities.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Come Rio hopefully I'll be unstoppable," said Butterworth, a man not notably lacking in self-confidence.

The Guardian - Sport

But this technique is quite expensive, so they are notably lacking in dialogue.

The New York Times

Sometimes the award throws up surprises, not least when the winners are notably lacking in personality.

The Guardian - Sport

More meaningful programs of that sort are notably lacking from the agenda of Romney the younger.

The New Yorker

That facility is notably lacking in the dumb logic of modern hyperlinks.

The New York Times - Science

And popular TV shows like "Mad Men," which Netflix also offered, were notably lacking on YouTube.

The New Yorker

Antihero, a protagonist of a drama or narrative who is notably lacking in heroic qualities.

Britannica

Yesterday he behaved with a dignity notably lacking in some of his homophobic accusers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "notably lacking" to highlight a deficiency that has a tangible impact or consequence. This makes the statement more impactful.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "notably lacking" in casual conversation or informal writing may sound overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "missing" or "without" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "notably lacking" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a significant deficiency or absence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "notably lacking" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a significant absence or deficiency. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely recognized and appropriately applied in various contexts. It is particularly common in news and media, academic writing, and encyclopedic entries. While versatile, its formal tone may render it less suitable for informal conversations. Related alternatives include "noticeably absent", "conspicuously missing", and "markedly deficient". When employing "notably lacking", ensure the context clearly defines the expected element to amplify the impact of its absence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

noticeably absent

Replaces "lacking" with "absent", focusing on the state of being missing.

conspicuously missing

Emphasizes that the absence is very obvious or apparent.

markedly deficient

Substitutes "lacking" with "deficient", highlighting a shortfall or inadequacy.

significantly wanting

Uses "wanting" to denote a lack or deficiency, implying a need for something.

patently without

Emphasizes the obvious absence of something.

plainly devoid of

Replaces both words to emphasize complete absence.

distinctly short on

Focuses on a shortage or scarcity of something.

glaringly absent

Highlights an absence that is extremely noticeable and hard to ignore.

remarkably bereft of

Uses "bereft" to indicate a severe lack or deprivation.

strikingly devoid

Rephrases to emphasize the surprising or unusual absence.

FAQs

How can I use "notably lacking" in a sentence?

Use "notably lacking" to point out a significant absence. For instance, "The report was "notably lacking" in detailed analysis" indicates the analysis was significantly absent.

What are some alternatives to "notably lacking"?

You can use alternatives like "noticeably absent", "conspicuously missing", or "markedly deficient" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "notably lacking" or "significantly lacking"?

Both "notably lacking" and "significantly lacking" are correct and convey similar meanings. The choice depends on personal preference, although "notably lacking" may sound slightly more formal.

Can "notably lacking" be used to describe a person's qualities?

Yes, "notably lacking" can describe a person's qualities, but it's more common to use it for tangible items or features. For example, "He was "notably lacking" in empathy" suggests a significant absence of empathetic behavior.