somewhat lacking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat lacking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not fully satisfactory or is missing certain qualities or elements. Example: "The presentation was somewhat lacking in detail, which made it difficult to understand the main points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's pleasant but somewhat lacking in originality.

The Guardian - Music

My ability in this area was somewhat lacking.

The Guardian

Even the current junta seems somewhat lacking in self-confidence.

The Economist

But the supervision, by Heriberto Herrera, another Paraguayan, was somewhat lacking in inspiration.

The Guardian - Sport

CONS: Because it is at street level, the apartment can feel somewhat lacking in privacy.

The New York Times

The immediate neighborhood is busy and somewhat lacking in soul, but the coldness is deceptive.

The New York Times

Proudly worn on its sleeve, but somewhat lacking in substance and subservient to self-interest.

The Guardian - Opinion

As a professional endorsement, "Black Cabs – Bitter, but not Actively Criminal" is somewhat lacking.

The Guardian - Tech

It's a bigger production, bathed in stadium lighting, somewhat lacking in intimacy.

The Guardian

Several said he had been a remote figure, somewhat lacking in leadership and charisma.

The New York Times

The terror attacks in Mumbai are a mystery somewhat lacking in mystery.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat lacking" to politely point out a deficiency without being overly critical. For example, instead of saying "The report was bad," you could say "The report was somewhat lacking in detail."

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "somewhat lacking" in formal or academic writing, as it can come across as vague. Opt for more specific and descriptive language to pinpoint the exact nature of the deficiency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat lacking" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun to indicate a partial deficiency or insufficiency. As supported by Ludwig, it suggests that something is not entirely complete or satisfactory but isn't entirely absent either.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "somewhat lacking" is a versatile phrase used to express a partial deficiency or inadequacy. Ludwig's analysis confirms that it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While appropriate for general communication, more specific language may be preferable in formal or academic settings. Alternatives like "slightly deficient" or "partially inadequate" can offer a more precise nuance when needed. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase and always consider the specific context to ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly deficient

Implies a small degree of inadequacy.

partially inadequate

Suggests that something does not fully meet the required standards.

somewhat insufficient

Indicates a shortage or not enough of something.

marginally deficient

Similar to "slightly deficient" but may emphasize the smallness of the deficiency more.

a bit wanting

A more informal way of saying something is missing or not up to par.

slightly impaired

Suggests that something is diminished in quality or effectiveness.

not quite up to par

Indicates that something is below the expected standard or level.

somewhat imperfect

Emphasizes the presence of flaws or imperfections.

a little short

Suggests that something is missing a small amount or is incomplete.

relatively limited

Highlights that something is restricted or not as extensive as it could be.

FAQs

How can I use "somewhat lacking" in a sentence?

You can use "somewhat lacking" to politely indicate a deficiency or insufficiency. For example: "The presentation was "somewhat lacking" in concrete data." or "His leadership skills were "somewhat lacking" during the crisis."

What's a more formal alternative to "somewhat lacking"?

More formal alternatives include "slightly deficient", "partially inadequate", or "somewhat insufficient". These options provide a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

Is it okay to use "somewhat lacking" in academic writing?

While acceptable, it's often better to be more specific in academic writing. Instead of saying something is "somewhat lacking", consider using phrases that clearly state the deficiency, such as "the methodology was "relatively limited"" or "the data was "slightly incomplete"."

What's the difference between "somewhat lacking" and "completely lacking"?

"Somewhat lacking" implies a partial deficiency, meaning something is missing or insufficient to some degree. "Completely lacking", on the other hand, indicates a total absence of something. For example, "The evidence was "somewhat lacking"" suggests there was some evidence, but not enough, while "The evidence was completely lacking" means there was no evidence at all.