thoroughgoing lack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thoroughgoing lack" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a complete or total absence of something, emphasizing the extent of the lack. Example: "The report highlighted a thoroughgoing lack of resources in the department, which hindered progress on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

So I suppose I was striving for a thoroughgoing lack of significance: something she could keep coming back to, but that was so remote in its content from anything going on in her life that neither she nor the reader could draw symbolism from it, or read the story through its lens.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

They see the lack of a thoroughgoing "reorganization of the financial system" as the "most disappointing" feature of the new dispensation.

The New Yorker

The third point is that while human being and Buddha stand thus as thoroughgoing opposites the being filled with afflicting passions and lacking any goodness that might lead toward enlightenment, on the one hand, and the Buddha freely exerting the power of wisdom-compassion, on the other deep mind arises as a unitary awareness out of the interaction of being and Buddha.

SEP

He is conscientious and thoroughgoing.

The New York Times - Books

It was eventually published on February 5th, with a telling lack of detail.Officials say that the "big-ministry system" is not just about redefining bureaucratic boundaries, but is an important part of more thoroughgoing political reform.

The Economist

Both need thoroughgoing change, not tinkering.

The Economist

"He's technically a thoroughgoing expert.

The New York Times

In certain respects, Weber's critique is the more thoroughgoing.

The New Yorker

The team's collapse has been thoroughgoing and utter.

The New York Times - Sports

Despite its thoroughgoing Englishness, it won admirers in Australia, Canada and Europe.

The Guardian - Books

If you are after a thoroughgoing scholarly treatment, look elsewhere.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thoroughgoing lack" to emphasize the completeness of something missing, rather than simply stating a lack. This adds emphasis and clarity to your writing. For example, "The investigation revealed a thoroughgoing lack of oversight."

Common error

While "thoroughgoing lack" is grammatically correct, avoid using it excessively. Overuse can make your writing sound stilted. Consider simpler alternatives like "complete absence" or "total deficiency" for variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thoroughgoing lack" functions as a descriptor, specifically modifying a noun to indicate a complete or comprehensive absence. This phrase serves to emphasize the extent of the deficiency, as exemplified by the Ludwig examples. Ludwig AI confirms that this is used for intensifying the absence of something.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thoroughgoing lack" is a phrase used to emphasize a complete absence or deficiency. As Ludwig highlights, the phrase is grammatically sound and conveys a strong sense of something being entirely missing. While not overly frequent, its usage is valid across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. When employing this phrase, consider whether a simpler alternative like "complete absence" might suffice, and avoid overuse to maintain writing clarity and style. However, when you need to stress the comprehensive nature of a deficiency, "thoroughgoing lack" serves as an effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete absence

Replaces "thoroughgoing" with "complete", simplifying the phrase while maintaining the core meaning of a total absence.

total deficiency

Substitutes "lack" with "deficiency" and "thoroughgoing" with "total", offering a slightly more formal alternative.

utter absence

Uses "utter" in place of "thoroughgoing", intensifying the sense of absence.

absolute want

Replaces "lack" with "want" and "thoroughgoing" with "absolute", providing a slightly more forceful expression.

entire void

Employs "void" instead of "lack" and "entire" instead of "thoroughgoing", shifting the imagery to emphasize emptiness.

wholesale privation

Replaces "lack" with "privation" and "thoroughgoing" with "wholesale", offering a more formal and somewhat stronger alternative.

comprehensive deficit

Substitutes "lack" with "deficit" and "thoroughgoing" with "comprehensive", suitable for technical or economic contexts.

sweeping inadequacy

Uses "inadequacy" in place of "lack" and "sweeping" instead of "thoroughgoing", highlighting a widespread insufficiency.

pervasive scarcity

Replaces "lack" with "scarcity" and "thoroughgoing" with "pervasive", emphasizing a widespread shortage or limited availability.

radical shortage

Uses "shortage" instead of "lack" and "radical" instead of "thoroughgoing", offering a slightly more dramatic alternative.

FAQs

How can I use "thoroughgoing lack" in a sentence?

"Thoroughgoing lack" emphasizes a complete or comprehensive absence. For example, "There was a thoroughgoing lack of understanding regarding the new policy."

What are some alternatives to "thoroughgoing lack"?

You can use alternatives such as "complete absence", "total deficiency", or "utter absence" depending on the context.

Is "thoroughgoing lack" formal or informal?

"Thoroughgoing lack" leans towards formal, especially compared to simpler phrases. Consider your audience and the tone of your writing when choosing this phrase.

What's the difference between "thoroughgoing lack" and "slight lack"?

"Thoroughgoing lack" implies a complete absence, whereas "slight lack" suggests a minor deficiency. The choice depends on the degree of absence you want to convey.