unique lack of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unique lack of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or characteristic that is distinctly absent or not present in a particular context. Example: "The artist's work displayed a unique lack of color, which set it apart from traditional paintings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

So nu-horror may not be some uniquely crappy era in movies, but just possess a unique lack of aesthetic limits, as if the filmmakers were hitting you with every sight, color, and noise they possibly could.

Vice

Julian Fellowes is actually able to slow time with his unique lack of pace.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The government announcement said that the broadcaster suffers from a "unique lack of transparency and incredible waste".

The Guardian - Opinion

But the notion that sex offenders have a unique lack of self-control has been repeated so frequently that it has come to feel like common sense.

The New Yorker

In the early aughts, journalists spilled a great deal of ink on the herbivores' seemingly unique lack of interest in moving out, getting married, or finding a girlfriend.

The New Yorker

Others argue that ISPs should be treated differently because consumers face a unique lack of choice and competition in the broadband marketplace.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

As opposed to the multiple A2 genes described in VL isolates, the CL A2 gene is unique, lacking most of the nucleotide repeats that constitute the variable region at the 5'end of the VL A2 sequences.

BMC Infectious Diseases

This is particularly problematic, as reducing the medical burden in bipolar disorder requires a specialized approach given their unique needs (lack of motivation, higher rates of substance use, less stable incomes, cognitive impairment) (Stauffer et al. 2009; Velligan et al. 2000; Casagrande et al. 2010).

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

ES cells provide new opportunities for developing and establishing new treatments, including transplantation tolerance induction, because of their unique characteristics: lack of MHC antigens, poor expression of co-stimulatory molecules and lack of T cells that can trigger graft-versus-host reaction.

Plosone

But what makes CCX unique is the lack of any government involvement.

The Economist

Montella's preferred starting midfield of Borja Valero, David Pizarro and Alberto Aquilani was unique for its lack of a tough-tackling enforcer.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unique lack of", ensure that the uniqueness truly stems from the context and isn't merely a general deficiency. The phrase implies that the absence is noteworthy or unexpected.

Common error

Avoid using "unique lack of" when a simple "lack of" suffices. The term should be reserved for situations where the absence is particularly striking or unexpected given the circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unique lack of" functions as a modifier highlighting a specific deficiency. It emphasizes that the absence of something is not merely a general lack, but rather a distinctive or noteworthy characteristic of a particular situation, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unique lack of" is a grammatically sound expression used to emphasize a notable absence. It's most frequently found in news and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, suggesting it should be reserved for situations where the absence is particularly striking. Alternatives such as "distinct absence of" or "singular deficiency in" can be used to achieve a similar effect while potentially offering a more precise nuance. Remember to use this phrase judiciously to ensure that the uniqueness is genuinely relevant to the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinct absence of

Replaces "unique lack" with "distinct absence", focusing on the clear non-existence of something.

singular deficiency in

Substitutes "unique lack" with "singular deficiency", highlighting a notable shortcoming.

remarkable scarcity of

Replaces "unique lack" with "remarkable scarcity", emphasizing a very low quantity or availability.

notable dearth of

Uses "notable dearth" in place of "unique lack", stressing a conspicuous absence.

exceptional absence of

Emphasizes the unusual nature of the absence.

uncommon deficiency of

Highlights that the deficiency is not commonly encountered.

rare absence of

Emphasizes the infrequency of the absence.

particular void of

Indicates a specific emptiness or absence.

specific unavailability of

Focuses on the fact that a certain thing is not available.

marked inadequacy of

Stresses the insufficient quantity or quality of something.

FAQs

What does "unique lack of" mean?

The phrase "unique lack of" indicates that something is notably or unusually absent in a particular situation. It suggests that the absence is significant or unexpected.

When is it appropriate to use "unique lack of" in writing?

Use "unique lack of" when you want to emphasize that the absence of something is a distinctive or remarkable characteristic of a particular context. It should highlight something more than a general "lack of".

Are there alternatives to using "unique lack of"?

Yes, you can use phrases such as "distinct absence of", "singular deficiency in", or "remarkable scarcity of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "unique lack of" grammatically correct?

Yes, "unique lack of" is grammatically correct and understandable. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, though it's essential to use it in contexts where the uniqueness of the absence is relevant.