utterly lacking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly lacking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is completely deficient or missing in a particular quality or characteristic. Example: "The report was utterly lacking in detail, making it difficult to understand the project's scope."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Investment is utterly lacking.

The Guardian

It was utilitarian, and utterly lacking in charm.

The New Yorker

These side entrances were utterly lacking in pomposity.

The Guardian - Arts

It was utterly lacking in substance – legal, moral or otherwise.

The Guardian - Opinion

Discipline was utterly lacking as today's problems were being created.

The New York Times

His "Edelweiss" was passable but utterly lacking in the sentimentality the song demands.

The New York Times - Arts

His "King Arthur" is not utterly lacking in sense, or utterly unrelated to Britain.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Ashford, a onetime dancer, is a lithe, gentle free spirit utterly lacking in aggressive machismo.

The New York Times - Arts

THE Station Inn here in western Pennsylvania is utterly lacking in amenities.

The New York Times - Travel

That simple logic, however, is utterly lacking here at the international climate negotiations in Durban.

The Guardian

Twain's home, like the author himself, is utterly lacking in sentimental kitsch.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "utterly lacking", ensure it's followed by a specific quality or characteristic to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "utterly lacking in detail" rather than just "utterly lacking".

Common error

Avoid using "utterly lacking" in very casual conversations. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or dramatic in informal settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "totally missing" or "completely without".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly lacking" functions as an adverbial modifier intensifying the adjective "lacking". It emphasizes the complete absence of a particular quality or characteristic. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utterly lacking" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to emphasize the complete absence of a specific quality. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. It functions as an adverbial modifier, intensifying the adjective "lacking", and generally suits neutral to formal registers. While highly versatile, its overuse in informal settings should be avoided. Alternatives include phrases such as "wholly deficient" or "entirely devoid". With a very common frequency, particularly in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts, it remains a potent expression for highlighting critical deficiencies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wholly deficient

Replaces "lacking" with "deficient", emphasizing the absence of necessary qualities.

entirely devoid

Uses "devoid" instead of "lacking", highlighting a complete emptiness.

completely wanting

Replaces "lacking" with "wanting", suggesting a deficiency or absence.

totally absent

Emphasizes the absence by using "totally absent" instead of "utterly lacking".

patently missing

Highlights the obvious nature of the absence, suggesting it's easily noticeable.

significantly insufficient

Focuses on the inadequacy and provides a more formal tone.

remarkably scarce

Emphasizes that the item is rare or in short supply, changing the implication from absent to rare.

noticeably deficient

Implies that the lack is easy to observe or detect.

manifestly inadequate

Suggests the insufficiency is clear and undeniable.

plainly bereft

Uses "bereft" to indicate a sense of loss or deprivation, adding an emotional tone.

FAQs

How can I use "utterly lacking" in a sentence?

You can use "utterly lacking" to describe something that completely misses a specific quality or characteristic. For example, "The performance was "utterly lacking" in originality."

What are some alternatives to "utterly lacking"?

Alternatives include phrases like "wholly deficient", "entirely devoid", or "completely wanting", which convey a similar sense of complete absence or deficiency.

Is "utterly lacking" formal or informal?

"Utterly lacking" leans towards the formal side. While usable in various contexts, it may sound overly strong in very casual conversation. Consider alternatives like "totally missing" for informal settings.

What's the difference between "utterly lacking" and "partially lacking"?

"Utterly lacking" indicates a complete absence, whereas "partially lacking" suggests something is missing only to some extent. The first means something is entirely missing and the second indicates some degree of deficiency.