profound lack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "profound lack" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a significant deficiency or absence of something. Example: "The report highlighted a profound lack of resources available for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The profound lack of boundaries throughout my father's own life lead to his suicide.

The Guardian

You can say it with warmth, genuine-ness, sincerity and with a profound lack of irony.

The New York Times

This type of system shows a profound lack of understanding of leadership.

The New York Times

A common theme in stories of child abuse is the profound lack of action by neighbors who witness the abuse.

The New York Times

Want to become a government codebreaker, but worried that your profound lack of technological nous will hold you back?

The Guardian - Tech

The reflex to lie low seems to kick in, in response to a sense of a profound lack of safety.

The New Yorker

"This is all about a profound lack of respect for who we are and what we do".

The New York Times

During the 1990's, this group demonstrated a profound lack of good judgment about long-term security.

The New York Times

(The Tea Partiers' carelessness about the country betrays a profound lack of strength, no matter how masked by stubbornness).

The New Yorker

Indeed, his overexcited potty humour is the sort of adolescent junk that indicates a profound lack of sexual knowledge.

The Guardian - Film

It shows profound lack of respect for the collective decision-making process we've always shown in fighting infections.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "profound lack" to emphasize the severity of a deficiency or absence, ensuring the context warrants such a strong term. For a less emphatic tone, consider alternatives like "significant absence" or "considerable scarcity".

Common error

Avoid using "profound lack" when describing minor shortcomings. Save it for situations where the deficiency is truly significant and impactful, as overuse can dilute its effectiveness and appear hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "profound lack" functions as a noun phrase that describes a significant deficiency or absence. It's often used to emphasize the severity of something missing, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "profound lack" is a commonly used phrase to emphasize a significant deficiency or absence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. While it appears across various contexts, it's particularly prevalent in news and media and scientific publications. It's best used when the deficiency is truly significant to avoid sounding hyperbolic. Remember that the key message when using the expression is to stress the degree and the depth of the deficiency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substantial absence

Emphasizes the significant degree of absence.

significant deficiency

Highlights the notable inadequacy or shortage.

serious shortage

Implies a critical insufficiency that could lead to negative consequences.

acute deficit

Focuses on the severity and urgency of the deficiency.

marked absence

Draws attention to the clear and noticeable lack of something.

considerable scarcity

Indicates a limited supply or availability.

deep void

Suggests an emptiness or absence that has a significant impact.

utter destitution

Emphasizes extreme poverty or complete lack of resources.

glaring omission

Highlights a noticeable and often intentional exclusion.

complete inadequacy

Stresses the total insufficiency or unsuitability.

FAQs

How can I use "profound lack" in a sentence?

Use "profound lack" to describe a significant deficiency or absence of something. For example, "The study revealed a "profound lack" of understanding about the issue."

What are some alternatives to "profound lack"?

You can use alternatives like "substantial absence", "significant deficiency", or "serious shortage" depending on the context.

What does "profound" mean in the context of "profound lack"?

In this context, "profound" emphasizes the depth, intensity, or significance of the lack. It indicates that the absence is not superficial but rather deep-seated and impactful.

Is it always appropriate to use "profound lack" in formal writing?

While "profound lack" is acceptable in formal writing, ensure the tone matches the context. If a less emphatic term is suitable, consider alternatives to avoid sounding overly dramatic. For instance, phrases like "considerable scarcity" or "marked absence" can be more appropriate.