the lack of material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the lack of material" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing insufficient resources, content, or items needed for a particular purpose or task. Example: "The project was delayed due to the lack of material required for construction."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

The lack of material would keep the craters looking fresh.

The New York Times - Science

Still, Ms. Lepore grew so discouraged at the lack of material, she says, that she debated abandoning this project and writing a novel instead.

The New York Times - Books

In addition, there is something to be said for the lack of material and if we want more Latinos on the screen, we need more Latino writers telling our stories.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Apart from its general aura of moral unhealthiness, one of the chief factors that kept "Island of Lost Souls" off the market for so long was the lack of material good enough for a high-definition release.

The New York Times

The official story line portrayed a virtuous circle of nation-building, one that could eventually lead to a democratic Iraq, allied with the U.S. In fact, we seem to be faced with a vicious circle, in which a deteriorating security situation undermines reconstruction, and the lack of material progress adds to popular discontent.

The New York Times

At present, most of the 500,000 Somalis living there are reluctant to leave because of the dangers and the lack of material support they would still face at home.Foreign labourers in a district of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital, protested against a decision to expel many thousands of them, mostly from Africa and the subcontinent, on the ground that they were illegally resident.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

The arrival of emergency units, the lack of materials or the need for engineering analysis are other causes of interruption.

Mathematics-in-Industry Case Studies

These applications have been limited, however, by the lack of materials that can emit blue light efficiently.

Science Magazine

Radiological threats, however, are difficult to simulate due to the lack of materials that can mimic radiation sources without the danger of the real radiation.

Computers & Graphics

The interrupted parts are those that the technician was forced to stop working on, e.g., due to the lack of materials or the dispatch of the parts to other groups.

Mathematics-in-Industry Case Studies

A primary limitation in investigating the effects of matrix stiffness in three dimensions is the lack of materials that can be tuned to control stiffness independently of matrix density.

Acta Biomaterialia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the lack of material", ensure that you clearly specify what type of material is lacking to avoid ambiguity. For example, "the lack of material resources" or "the lack of teaching material".

Common error

Avoid using "the lack of material" without specifying the context. Saying "the lack of material caused the project to fail" is vague. Be specific about the missing material, such as "the lack of construction material" or "the lack of source material for research".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the lack of material" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a deficiency or absence of something needed or expected, as evidenced by Ludwig AI's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the lack of material" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a deficiency or absence of necessary resources, content, or supplies. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, including science, news, and formal business. While generally neutral to formal, it is essential to specify the material lacking to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases like "scarcity of resources" or "shortage of supplies" can provide similar meanings depending on the specific situation. By understanding its usage and potential pitfalls, writers can effectively communicate resource limitations and their consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scarcity of resources

Emphasizes the limited availability of resources.

shortage of supplies

Highlights the insufficient quantity of supplies available.

paucity of content

Focuses on the limited amount of content or information.

absence of resources

Indicates a complete non-existence of resources.

deficiency in resources

Highlights a deficit or inadequacy in the required resources.

inadequate resources

Stresses the insufficiency of available resources.

limited availability of resources

Expands on the idea of scarcity by specifying limited availability.

insufficient funds

Specifically refers to a lack of monetary resources.

want of supplies

Uses more formal language to indicate a need or lack of supplies.

dearth of information

Emphasizes the severe scarcity of information available.

FAQs

How can I use "the lack of material" in a sentence?

You can use "the lack of material" to describe a deficiency in resources, content, or supplies needed for a specific task or purpose. For instance, "The experiment was hindered by the lack of material for analysis."

What are some alternatives to "the lack of material"?

Alternatives include "scarcity of resources", "shortage of supplies", or "paucity of content", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "lack of material" or "lack of materials"?

Both are acceptable, but "lack of material" is generally used when referring to a general category, while "lack of materials" is used when referring to specific, countable items.

What is the difference between "lack of material" and "absence of material"?

"Lack of material" implies a deficiency or shortage, while "absence of material" suggests a complete non-existence. The choice depends on whether something is merely scarce or entirely missing.