obviously lacking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obviously lacking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is clearly deficient or missing essential elements. Example: "The report was obviously lacking in detail, making it difficult to understand the project's scope."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Asked about the claims, Mäder reportedly said stories of this kind "obviously lacking in factual basis" were sometimes told.

The Guardian

We knew we had to push forward to try to create the political will that was obviously lacking".

The New York Times

It is the spirit most obviously lacking from the lift lobbies, windowless access corridors and car-friendly roads of standardised developers' products.

The Guardian - Arts

With confidence in Mr. Karzai still obviously lacking, the administration is cultivating lesser-known technocrats around him, among them the finance and interior ministers.

The New York Times

But whatever vitality the demographics might suggest is so obviously lacking that one longtime resident mentioned that he hoped simply for a McDonald 'sto energize the slackened mood.

The New York Times

These institutions, while obviously lacking the resources of, say, Amherst College, typically have a core of extraordinary students in the targeted demographic.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

That argument, however, obviously lacks logical or equitable force.

Harvard University

But we obviously lack the low cunning needed to go all the way.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This auteur's sensibility obviously lacks the invigorating rough edges we associate with the New Wave.

The New York Times

"The three-year degree is rather leisurely, and obviously lacks a practical element.

The Guardian

But because "Connie and Carla" is not a variation of her own life story, it obviously lacks the same intimacy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obviously lacking", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is missing and why its absence is significant. This strengthens the impact of your statement and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "obviously lacking" simply as a filler phrase. Ensure that its use adds meaningful emphasis to the deficiency and isn't just a redundant observation. Be specific about what exactly is lacking instead of relying on obviousness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obviously lacking" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes something that demonstrably does not possess a necessary or expected quality or attribute. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is generally accepted.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "obviously lacking" is a grammatically correct and relatively common expression used to point out a clear deficiency or absence. According to Ludwig AI, it’s appropriate for a variety of contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. While effective, it's important to ensure its use is not redundant and that the context clearly indicates what is missing. Alternatives like "clearly deficient" or "evidently missing" can provide subtle variations in meaning. Remember to use the phrase judiciously to maintain strong and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clearly deficient

Replaces "obviously lacking" with a more direct description of the deficiency.

evidently missing

Substitutes "lacking" with "missing", emphasizing the absence of something.

plainly absent

Uses "absent" to highlight the lack of presence, and "plainly" to indicate obviousness.

patently deficient

Emphasizes the deficiency with "patently", suggesting it's undeniably clear.

conspicuously absent

Highlights the absence as being very noticeable or conspicuous.

markedly inadequate

Focuses on the inadequacy of something, with "markedly" indicating it's significant.

noticeably insufficient

Emphasizes the insufficiency of something in a way that's easy to notice.

distinctly wanting

Uses "wanting" to mean lacking, with "distinctly" emphasizing clarity.

visibly deficient

Highlights the deficiency as being easily seen or visible.

readily absent

Indicates that the absence is immediately apparent or easily observed.

FAQs

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

You can use "obviously lacking" to point out a clear deficiency. For example, "The plan was "obviously lacking" in detail", or "The team was "obviously lacking" the necessary experience".

What are some alternatives to "obviously lacking"?

Alternatives include "clearly deficient", "evidently missing", or "plainly absent". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "obviously lacking"?

While "obviously lacking" isn't inherently redundant, overusing "obviously" can weaken your writing. Ensure the obviousness isn't already implied in the context; otherwise, a stronger, more direct term might be more effective.

What's the difference between "obviously lacking" and "clearly lacking"?

"Obviously lacking" and "clearly lacking" are very similar. "Obviously" suggests something is easily perceived, while "clearly" emphasizes the lack of ambiguity. They are often interchangeable.