regulatory gap

USAGE SUMMARY

"regulatory gap" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe a situation in which there are no existing or applicable laws or regulations related to a certain issue or activity. For example, "The growing number of driverless cars on the roads has exposed a regulatory gap concerning their safety and use."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

New legislation might help address the regulatory gap.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In this regulatory gap, a largely unnoticed quail movement has begun.

The New Yorker

Lawmakers say that the legislation will close a major regulatory gap.

The New York Times

And efforts to close the regulatory gap must overcome one particularly thorny issue: some uncertified companies accused of selling counterfeit drugs are owned by the government itself.

The New York Times

The Obama administration now has an opportunity to fill that regulatory gap by appointing new leadership for the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The New York Times

The charity called on the Financial Conduct Authority to close the regulatory gap that allows for the "unsolicited real-time promotion" of high-risk credit products.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

United States health officials are just now closing some of these regulatory gaps, documents posted on their Web sites say.

The New York Times

Lawmakers are addressing regulatory gaps that allowed for the breach of customer money.

The New York Times

And it would create a council of regulators, led by the Treasury secretary, to fill in regulatory gaps.

The New York Times

He said the plan was intended to reduce regulatory gaps but not discourage healthy debate among officials.

The New York Times

Dodd-Frank is no cure-all, but properly implemented and enforced, it would close dangerous regulatory gaps.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a "regulatory gap", specify the sector or area where the gap exists to provide clarity and context. For example, "the regulatory gap in artificial intelligence ethics".

Common error

Avoid using "regulatory gap" when the issue is not the absence of regulations, but the failure to enforce existing ones. An enforcement gap means the rules are there, but they aren't being followed or adequately policed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "regulatory gap" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its role in identifying a deficiency or absence in regulatory frameworks. It is frequently used to describe a problem that needs addressing through policy or legislation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "regulatory gap" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term that describes the absence or inadequacy of regulations in a specific area. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's often employed to highlight the need for new or improved regulations. This phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Science, indicating its relevance in both current events and scholarly discussions. To avoid confusion, remember that a "regulatory gap" differs from an "enforcement gap", where regulations exist but are not effectively enforced. When using this term, ensure that you clarify the specific context and sector to which it applies. Some potential alternatives include "lack of regulation", "absence of legal framework" and "legal vacuum".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of regulation

Focuses on the absence of regulation as a whole.

absence of legal framework

Highlights the non-existence of a structured legal system in a specific area.

legal vacuum

Emphasizes the emptiness or void in legal coverage.

regulatory loophole

Refers to an unintentional omission or ambiguity in a regulation that allows it to be circumvented.

oversight deficiency

Highlights a weakness in the monitoring or supervision process.

enforcement gap

Implies that regulations exist but are not effectively enforced.

policy void

Indicates the absence of a defined policy in a particular domain.

legal ambiguity

Highlights the uncertain or unclear nature of the law.

compliance gap

Focuses on the difference between what regulations require and actual practices.

monitoring shortfall

Emphasizes the inadequacy in observing or tracking relevant activities.

FAQs

What does "regulatory gap" mean?

A "regulatory gap" refers to a situation where there is a lack of laws or regulations governing a particular activity or industry, leaving it without proper oversight.

What are some consequences of a "regulatory gap"?

A "regulatory gap" can lead to various negative consequences, including increased risks, consumer harm, environmental damage, and unfair competitive advantages for those who exploit the lack of regulation.

How can a "regulatory gap" be addressed?

Addressing a "regulatory gap" typically involves creating and implementing new laws or regulations to cover the previously unregulated activity or industry. This may require research, stakeholder consultation, and legislative action.

What phrases can be used instead of "regulatory gap"?

You can use alternatives like "lack of regulation", "absence of legal framework", or "legal vacuum" depending on the specific context.