want of understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "want of understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack of comprehension or knowledge about a particular subject or situation. Example: "The decision was made in haste, and it was clear that there was a want of understanding regarding the implications of the policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Upon learning of each others desires," the request continued, "they are so incompatible that there is a want of understanding of each others actions in entering into this marriage".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I took it on because I wanted the responsibility of understanding what it means to eat — even if I never understand, in my uncle's sense, the meaning of money.

The New York Times

Getting the leave you want is a matter of understanding your company's policy and then appropriately advocating for your needs.

Harvard Business Review

"I wanted a practical way of understanding what the color confusion problems were in a way I could apply to color choice on Web pages," she said.

The New York Times - Tech

Until Lighthizer gives up on Trump, and his like-minded colleague Peter Navarro follows suit, China still faces a doubling of tariffs now by May 1. Trump doesn't want memoranda of understandings.

Forbes

You want an understanding of that person's life as she experienced it, a sense of what it's like to be her.

The New York Times - Magazine

They want to do a stint in IT because they want that understanding of how the IT department supports the enterprise both for the purpose of knowledge and for their resume.

Forbes

So Mr. Naim is now directing Foreign Policy to readers who want an understanding of globalization without reading specialist fare.

The New York Times

I don't want my understanding of the world to come from a Twitter feed from the Guardian.

The Guardian - Music

But if they want more understanding of Shakespeare, they should sneak off to the theater, where he belongs, and not to a law class.

The New York Times - Books

Broader engagement isn't a luxury, it's absolutely necessary if we want boost understanding of, and support for, scientific research.....The public isn't reading published research papers, and the media often needs help making sense of them.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "want of understanding", consider whether a more common phrase like "lack of understanding" might be clearer for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "want of understanding" in informal contexts. It can sound overly formal or archaic, making your writing seem unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "want of understanding" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a state of deficiency or lack related to comprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "want of understanding" is a grammatically correct noun phrase that signifies a lack of comprehension. However, Ludwig suggests that while it is valid, it is less common than alternatives like "lack of understanding". Its usage tends towards formal contexts, as evidenced by its presence in news and scientific sources. While accurate, opting for more common phrases might enhance clarity for a broader audience. The choice ultimately hinges on the desired tone and the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of comprehension

Replaces "want" with "lack" and "understanding" with "comprehension", both synonyms that maintain the original meaning.

absence of understanding

Substitutes "want" with "absence", emphasizing the non-existence of understanding.

lack of insight

Focuses on the lack of deeper comprehension or intuitive grasp.

failure to grasp

Highlights the inability to understand something.

deficiency in understanding

Emphasizes the inadequate amount of understanding present.

inadequate comprehension

Describes the level of understanding as insufficient.

limited understanding

Indicates that the understanding is restricted or incomplete.

scant understanding

Highlights the minimal amount of understanding.

poor understanding

Indicates a low quality of comprehension.

misunderstanding

Focuses on understanding incorrectly, leading to confusion.

FAQs

What does "want of understanding" mean?

The phrase "want of understanding" means a lack of comprehension or knowledge about something. It's a more formal way of saying "lack of understanding".

How can I use "want of understanding" in a sentence?

You can use "want of understanding" to describe a situation where someone doesn't fully grasp or comprehend a particular issue. For example, "There was a clear want of understanding regarding the new policy's implications".

Which is a better phrase to use, "want of understanding" or "lack of understanding"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "lack of understanding" is more commonly used and generally preferred for its clarity. "Want of understanding" can sound overly formal or archaic.

What are some alternatives to "want of understanding"?

Some alternatives to "want of understanding" include "lack of comprehension", "absence of understanding", or "failure to grasp". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.