something is lacking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "something is lacking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that there is an absence or deficiency of something that is needed or desired. Example: "In this project, I feel that something is lacking in terms of creativity and innovation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Lifestyle

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

And yet, something is lacking.

The Guardian - Music

Here, Mr. McElheny has dispensed with labels, and it feels as if something is lacking.

The New York Times - Arts

Something is lacking in the efforts to design a new global development framework.

The Guardian - Opinion

Still, renting "Breakfast at Tiffany's" for a second or third go-round, you notice that something is lacking.

The New York Times - Magazine

They put on good shows, they draw good crowds, but, to quote Bertolt Brecht's libretto for "Mahagonny," something is lacking.

The New Yorker

I ask these questions because there is no doubting Heatherwick's talent and appeal, yet he prompts a nagging sense that somehow, somewhere, something is lacking.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Although Ms. Hai Chang was devoted to the gallery, she soon realized something was lacking.

The New York Times - Arts

ADAM: I enjoyed the issue, but I may be a victim of the hype machine as I was left feeling like something was lacking.

The New York Times

Although Hempel was sometimes inclined to "bite the bullet" and defend the explanatory worth of both arguments, most philosophers concluded that something was lacking.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When anyone finishes a painting, if they did not feel something was lacking in it they would never go on and do another one.

The Guardian - Arts

But with a cursory glance, it's easy to look at the end products of 2013 consumer tech and feel that something was lacking.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the degree of deficiency you want to convey. If the absence is critical, stronger alternatives like "something is missing" or "something is deficient" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "something is lacking" without specifying what is missing. Vague statements weaken your argument. Be specific about the deficiency to make your writing more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something is lacking" functions as a subjective assessment, expressing a perceived deficiency or inadequacy. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. Examples show its application in various domains, highlighting missing elements or unmet expectations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "something is lacking" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to indicate a deficiency or absence. As Ludwig AI confirms, its neutral register and common usage make it suitable for various contexts, from news reporting to personal assessments. While "something is missing" is a close synonym, alternatives like "something is deficient" can provide a stronger emphasis. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: ensure that the 'something' is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity and maximize the impact of your statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something is missing

A more straightforward and commonly used alternative to indicate absence.

something is wanting

A slightly more formal way of saying something is missing or needed.

something is deficient

Replaces "lacking" with "deficient", implying a more pronounced inadequacy.

something is inadequate

Focuses on the insufficiency of something for a particular purpose.

something falls short

Indicates that something does not meet the required standard or expectation.

something is absent

Implies a complete non-existence of something, rather than just a deficiency.

something is incomplete

Highlights that something is unfinished or not whole.

something is not up to par

Suggests that something is below the expected quality or standard.

something needs improvement

Focuses on the need for enhancement or development in a particular area.

something requires more

Highlights that an element needs a further integration, action or element in order to be satisfactory

FAQs

What does "something is lacking" mean?

The phrase "something is lacking" means that something is missing or deficient. It indicates that there is an absence of a necessary or desirable quality, element, or aspect.

What can I say instead of "something is lacking"?

You can use alternatives like "something is missing", "something is deficient", or "something is inadequate" depending on the context.

How to use "something is lacking" in a sentence?

You can use "something is lacking" to express a deficiency. For example, "In this plan, something is lacking in terms of detail" or "Despite the effort, something is lacking in the final result".

Which is correct, "something is lacking" or "something lacks"?

Both phrases can be correct, but they have slightly different usages. "Something is lacking" emphasizes the state of being deficient, while "something lacks" emphasizes the absence of a specific attribute. For example, "This report is lacking detail" vs. "This report lacks detail".