seeming lack of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seeming lack of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an appearance or impression of deficiency or absence in something. Example: "Despite the seeming lack of interest from the audience, the speaker continued with enthusiasm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The most irritating, and surprising, problem was the applicants' seeming lack of vocabulary.

The Guardian

In The Daily Beast, Andrew Ramano found a further clue in the movies' seeming lack of malignant agency.

The Guardian - Film

Coast Guardsmen that had maintained their cutters with pride couldn't understand the Vietnamese sailors seeming lack of care about housekeeping chores.

Wikipedia

Too often it seems that distress or seeming lack of interest from the patients is interpreted as a reason not to discuss these difficult issues.

British Journal of Cancer

On Tuesday, he did not seem to question their effort, but Soriano's comments about absence of energy raise concerns about their seeming lack of urgency.

The New York Times - Sports

It wrote to the board objecting to, among other things, the board's seeming lack of independence.

The Guardian

At least one director here traded on his subject's seeming lack of importance.

The New York Times

They talked about their frustrations with Vidra's seeming lack of interest in the magazine's content.

The New Yorker

A seeming lack of planning for the succession had been weighing heavily on investors.

The Economist

This seeming lack of knowledge is in inverse proportion to his enthusiasm for their aesthetic value.

The New York Times

So why the seeming lack of progress on the international stage?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seeming lack of" to express a perception or appearance that something is missing, even if the reality may be different. This can add nuance and avoid making definitive statements.

Common error

Avoid using "seeming lack of" when there is clear evidence of a deficiency. This phrase is best suited when the absence is not fully confirmed or is subject to interpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seeming lack of" primarily functions as a qualifier, softening a statement about a deficiency or absence. It suggests an appearance or impression, rather than a definitive fact. Ludwig confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seeming lack of" is a versatile tool for expressing perceived deficiencies with a degree of caution. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news and media. When using it, remember that you're highlighting an appearance that might not reflect the complete picture. Consider "apparent absence of" or "perceived deficiency in" as alternatives to add nuance to your writing. Be sure to avoid overstating the absence when clear evidence exists. Understanding its purpose and contexts enables you to use "seeming lack of" effectively and accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apparent deficiency of

Focuses on the visible absence of something.

perceived absence of

Highlights the subjective impression of something missing.

ostensible shortage of

Emphasizes a surface-level inadequacy.

superficial absence of

Suggests that the lack might not be deep or meaningful.

outward deficiency of

Highlights what is visible to others.

professed absence of

Indicates that the lack is stated or claimed.

presumed shortage of

Highlights that something is assumed to be in short supply.

supposed absence of

Suggests that the absence might be doubtful.

arguable deficiency of

Implies the lack is open to debate or contestation.

debatable shortage of

Highlights that the shortage isn't universally accepted.

FAQs

How can I use "seeming lack of" in a sentence?

You can use "seeming lack of" to describe an apparent absence or deficiency, such as, "There was a "seeming lack of" interest in the proposal." or "The project failed due to a "seeming lack of" planning."

What are some alternatives to "seeming lack of"?

Alternatives include "apparent absence of", "perceived deficiency in", or "ostensible shortage of". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "apparent lack of" or "seeming lack of"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "apparent lack of" often suggests a slightly stronger impression, while "seeming lack of" implies a greater degree of uncertainty or potential deception.

What does it mean to say there is a "seeming lack of" something?

It suggests that, based on available information, something appears to be missing or deficient, but this assessment may not be entirely accurate or complete. Further investigation may reveal that the perceived absence is not as significant as it initially appears.