the data are lacking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the data are lacking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing insufficient or inadequate information in a particular context, such as research or analysis. Example: "In our study, we found that the data are lacking in several key areas, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

However, the data are lacking for extracranial sites and the present study provides novel population-based results for all common cancers and their metastases.

BMC Cancer

However, the safety of autologous ADSC injections into human joints is only beginning to be understood and the data are lacking.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

When the data are lacking or to fill incomplete pathways the data from other mammals, such as mouse, horse, pig, bull, etc. were used, only if confirmed by a large consensus.

BMC Systems Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The data is lacking.

Independent

The data is lacking, Dr. Bell said, because "in agriculture, industry has been reluctant to provide it, saying the information is proprietary".

The New York Times

The data is lacking likely because the numbers are low, even lower than the workforce.

TechCrunch

Apple earned praise for its Maps visual design, but the data was lacking compared to Google, which is understandable given that Google had a massive head start on building its own mapping effort.

TechCrunch

Further, a method to assess normalization and adjustment measures imposed on the data is lacking.

BMC Genomics

In detail, red and green represented up- and downregulation, respectively, whereas gray meant the data were lacking.

Database : the journal of biological databases and curation

Unfortunately, these data are lacking in the study by Nalos and colleagues.

Critical Care

Some authors have suggested that geographic variation in pathogenicity of the virus (14 ) may also be a factor in severity, although the supporting data are lacking (15 ).

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "the data are lacking", specify what kind of data is missing and the implications of its absence to strengthen your argument or analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "the data are lacking" as a standalone statement without context. Always clarify what specific data is needed and why it is important to the analysis or conclusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the data are lacking" functions as an evaluative statement, indicating that there is a deficiency of information. As Ludwig examples show, it often introduces the need for further research or the limitations of current knowledge.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the data are lacking" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a deficiency of information, primarily in scientific and news contexts. Ludwig AI indicates the expression conveys a lack of sufficient information to support a claim or analysis. While infrequent, it is a useful expression. When using this phrase, be specific about the missing data and its implications. Alternative phrases include "data is insufficient" or "information is unavailable".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Data is lacking

A shorter version of the original phrase, omitting "the" and "are".

The information is scarce

Focuses on the scarcity of information rather than the lack of data.

Data is insufficient

Uses "insufficient" to describe the inadequacy of the data.

There's a paucity of data

Emphasizes the limited amount of data available.

Information is unavailable

Highlights the unavailability of the necessary information.

The evidence is limited

Indicates that the supporting evidence is not substantial.

There is a dearth of data

Uses "dearth" to convey a significant lack of data.

The data is incomplete

Focuses on the incompleteness of the data.

There's a shortage of data

Highlights a deficiency in the amount of data.

The research is inconclusive

Indicates that the research results are not definitive due to data limitations.

FAQs

What does "the data are lacking" mean?

The phrase "the data are lacking" means that there is not enough information available to draw a conclusion or make an informed decision. It suggests a deficiency in the necessary data for a particular purpose.

How can I use "the data are lacking" in a sentence?

You can use "the data are lacking" to point out the absence of sufficient information in a study, report, or analysis. For example, "While there's interest in the phenomenon, "the data are lacking" to confirm its existence."

What can I say instead of "the data are lacking"?

You can use alternatives like "data is insufficient", "information is unavailable", or "evidence is limited" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the data is lacking"?

While "data" is technically plural, it is often used as a singular noun in modern English. Saying "the data is lacking" is acceptable in many contexts, though ""the data are lacking"" is more grammatically precise. Consider your audience and the level of formality required.