utter lack of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utter lack of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a complete absence of something. Example: "The report highlighted an utter lack of evidence to support the claims made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The utter lack of sentimentality.

The New York Times - Arts

It was the utter lack of freedom.

The New York Times

His big complaint was the utter lack of charm.

The New York Times

But they share an utter lack of consequence.

The New York Times - Arts

The utter lack of basic services was already crippling.

The New York Times

What struck him most was the utter lack of rebellion.

The New York Times - Magazine

Then there was the utter lack of energy.

The Guardian - Music

A key to Mr. Clark's appeal was his utter lack of grandiosity.

The New York Times - Arts

Cotter said that the decision was easy, because Dakotah had shown "an utter lack of remorse".

The New Yorker

He also has not challenged Mr. Paladino's utter lack of substance.

The New York Times

Much of their musical originality lies in their utter lack of ornamentation and overt narrative drama.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utter lack of" to emphasize a complete and often surprising absence of something, especially when the presence of that thing would be expected or beneficial.

Common error

While "utter lack of" is widely acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Consider more sophisticated alternatives like "complete absence of" or "total deficiency of" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utter lack of" functions as a modifier emphasizing the complete absence of a noun. As Ludwig AI shows, it is frequently used to highlight deficiencies or absences in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "utter lack of" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to emphasize the complete absence of something. According to Ludwig AI, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for general use. While versatile, more formal synonyms may be preferable in academic or scientific writing. Remember to use this phrase to highlight a significant deficiency and consider the tone of your writing to ensure it aligns with the intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete absence of

Focuses on the total absence rather than emphasizing the degree of lack.

entire absence of

Similar to "complete absence", but with a slightly different emphasis.

total deficiency of

Emphasizes the inadequacy or shortage of something.

sheer absence of

Highlights the simplicity and completeness of the absence.

absolute want of

Stresses the complete destitution or need for something.

total negation of

Indicates that something is being completely denied or refuted.

absence in toto of

Uses Latin to emphasize the complete absence.

blank void of

Highlights the emptiness and lack of something.

zero presence of

Modern and informal way to state that something is not present.

severe shortage of

Focuses on the scarcity and insufficiency of something.

FAQs

How can I use "utter lack of" in a sentence?

You can use "utter lack of" to emphasize the complete absence of something. For example: "The project failed due to the "utter lack of" planning."

What are some synonyms for "utter lack of"?

Some synonyms for "utter lack of" include "complete absence of", "total deficiency of", or "sheer absence of". Choose the best alternative depending on the specific context.

Is "utter lack of" a formal or informal expression?

"Utter lack of" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for most contexts, but in highly formal writing, consider alternatives to ensure a professional tone.

What's the difference between "utter lack of" and "slight lack of"?

"Utter lack of" indicates a complete absence, while "slight lack of" suggests a small or minor deficiency. The choice depends on the degree of absence you want to convey.