severe lack

USAGE SUMMARY

"severe lack" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something is significantly lacking. For example, "The severe lack of funding has prevented the organization from moving forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A severe lack of health insurance has severely dimmed these prospects.

Huffington Post

There obviously is a severe lack of oversight in city contracts to construction companies.

The New York Times

The problem is a severe lack of office space in Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs.

The New York Times

Three weeks later Clapson died from diabetic ketoacidosis, caused by a severe lack of insulin.

The Guardian - Opinion

A severe lack of manpower and heavy machinery was holding back relief efforts.

The Guardian

There also remained a "severe" lack of services for victims seeking treatment, assistance or protection.

The Guardian

Further complicating the situation is a severe lack of resources available to local police.

The Guardian

The report points to a "severe lack of cohesion right across the system between primary and secondary schools".

The Guardian

There's an absence of fun here, and for what is ultimately a chase movie, a severe lack of pace.

The Guardian - Film

But there appeared to be a problem – a severe lack of milkbars serving burgers with "the lot".

The Guardian - Opinion

On record, YG has charm, almost overcoming a severe lack of imagination.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider quantifying the "severe lack" with data or statistics to add more impact and authority to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "severe lack" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "acute shortage", "critical deficit", or "extreme scarcity" to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe lack" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence or clause. It identifies a condition or situation characterized by a significant deficiency. As Ludwig AI states, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "severe lack" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that effectively communicates a significant deficiency or absence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is appropriate for use in diverse contexts, ranging from formal reports to news articles. When using "severe lack", be sure to provide clear context about what is missing and the impact of that deficiency. While it is appropriate for formal use, you can also consider alternatives like "acute deficiency" or "significant shortage" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acute deficiency

Emphasizes the sudden and critical nature of the lack.

significant shortage

Highlights the inadequacy of supply or availability.

critical deficit

Stresses the importance and urgency of the missing element.

extreme scarcity

Focuses on the limited availability and potential hardship.

serious inadequacy

Highlights the unacceptability of the current level or amount.

profound absence

Emphasizes the deep and noticeable lack of something.

dire need

Highlights the urgency and potential consequences of the lack.

major shortfall

Focuses on the gap between what is needed and what is available.

substantial depletion

Highlights the reduction and loss of something important.

marked unavailability

Stresses that something is clearly not accessible or present.

FAQs

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

You can use "severe lack" to describe a critical shortage or deficiency of something. For example, "There is a severe lack of funding for this project" or "The community is suffering from a severe lack of clean water".

What are some synonyms for "severe lack"?

Some synonyms for "severe lack" include "acute deficiency", "significant shortage", "critical deficit", and "extreme scarcity".

Is it appropriate to use "severe lack" in formal writing?

Yes, "severe lack" is appropriate for formal writing, as it is a clear and direct way to express a significant deficiency. However, ensure that the tone and context of your writing support the use of such a strong phrase.

What's the difference between "severe lack" and "shortage"?

While both terms indicate a deficiency, "severe lack" implies a more critical and impactful shortage than a simple "shortage". "Shortage" can refer to a temporary or minor deficiency, while "severe lack" indicates a substantial and potentially detrimental absence.