Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
severely lacks
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "severely lacks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a significant deficiency or absence of something in a particular context. Example: "The report severely lacks detailed analysis, making it difficult to draw any conclusions."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Alternative expressions(16)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
9 human-written examples
Conditions for civilians continue to be very difficult, yet it severely lacks media attention.
News & Media
Deadshot (Will Smith) Just like Quinn, Floyd Lawton severely lacks in the superpowers department; but the assassin sure makes up for it as the best shot in the business.
News & Media
This result confirms that MaxSNR severely lacks fairness in realistic scenarii.
Notwithstanding, the number of publications and studies so far evaluating these technologies severely lacks behind peripheral biomarkers in major psychiatric disorders.
Many Africans in the Diaspora are highly skilled in areas that the continent severely lacks.
News & Media
But also remember that Pittsburgh severely lacks a second option at receiver.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
50 human-written examples
Wait for it, wait for it … "Severely lacking in vuvuzelas".
News & Media
The problem is, my form and confidence are severely lacking at the line.
News & Media
Transparency has been severely lacking in more than the credit-default swap business.
News & Media
The field of nutrition, he said, "is severely lacking in common sense".
News & Media
Basic foodstuffs are available, but medical supplies and construction materials are severely lacking.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "severely lacks", ensure the subject's deficiency significantly impacts the overall context. For example, "The project severely lacks funding, hindering its progress."
Common error
Avoid using "severely lacks" when the deficiency is minor or inconsequential. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility. Ensure the degree of lacking warrants the intensity of "severely".
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "severely lacks" functions as a verb phrase used to express a significant deficiency or absence of something. It emphasizes the intensity of the lack. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.
Frequent in
News & Media
40%
Science
40%
Formal & Business
20%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "severely lacks" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase employed to underscore a significant deficiency. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suitability for various contexts. While not as frequent as simpler alternatives, its impact lies in its emphasis on the severity of the absence. It appears most often in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, and should be used judiciously to avoid overstatement. Alternatives such as "greatly lacks" or "significantly lacks" can be used when a less intense expression is desired. Always consider the context and impact when using the phrase to ensure it accurately reflects the degree of deficiency.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
greatly lacks
Replaces "severely" with "greatly", offering a less intense synonym.
badly lacks
Substitutes "severely" with "badly", implying a strong need or deficiency.
significantly lacks
Uses "significantly" instead of "severely" to emphasize the importance of the deficiency.
critically lacks
Employs "critically" to highlight the essential nature of what is missing.
sorely lacks
Replaces "severely" with "sorely", indicating a painful or regrettable absence.
drastically lacks
Uses "drastically" instead of "severely" to emphasize the extreme level of lacking.
grievously lacks
Employs "grievously" to convey a serious or severe deficiency.
severely deficient in
Rephrases the sentence to use "deficient in" instead of "lacks", keeping the intensity.
severely wanting in
Uses the term "wanting in" in place of "lacks" to indicate a deficiency.
severely hampered by a lack of
Indicates the severity of the impediment due to absence of something.
FAQs
How can I use "severely lacks" in a sentence?
You can use "severely lacks" to emphasize a significant deficiency or absence. For example: "The plan "severely lacks" detail, making it difficult to implement effectively."
What are some alternatives to saying "severely lacks"?
Alternatives include "greatly lacks", "significantly lacks", or "critically lacks", depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.
Is it more appropriate to use "severely lacks" or "severely lacking"?
"Severely lacks" is a verb phrase used when the subject is missing something. "Severely lacking" is an adjective phrase to describe the subject. For example, "The proposal "severely lacks" a budget" versus "The proposal is "severely lacking" in a budget".
When is it not appropriate to use the phrase "severely lacks"?
Avoid using "severely lacks" if the deficiency is trivial or has minimal impact. The phrase should be reserved for situations where the absence has significant consequences.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested