want of unity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "want of unity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack or absence of cohesion or agreement among a group or within a system. Example: "The project failed due to a want of unity among the team members, leading to conflicting ideas and poor communication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

We want unity, not diversity, unity!

Vice

If you want to make unity out of the city's architecture, you must get in the car and zigzag around town, turning the windshield this way and that, as if it were a lens, piling image next to image like a David Hockney photomontage.

The New York Times - Arts

In a further blow to the hopes of a united Ireland advanced by the likes of Sinn Féin, only 4% of Protestants want Irish unity.

The Guardian

He wants "unity of purpose"; "energy that could be harnessed through unity of purpose and values is frittered away".

Huffington Post

He wants "unity of purpose"; "energy that could be harnessed through unity of purpose and values is frittered away". Where there is one common all-overriding end there is no room for any general morals or rules.

HuffPost

They wanted a symbol of unity.

The Guardian - Arts

But certainly they wanted that image of unity, and so when the company first went on those international tours as the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, that was huge for this country.

University of California, Berkeley

Our correspondent says the White House wants a show of unity from the US and Europe, but there is little consensus within the EU at the moment for implementing broader economic sanctions against Russia.

BBC

The US wants a show of unity at this forum in condemning North Korea - uniquely, Mr Tillerson will find himself in the same room as his North Korean counterpart, Ri Yong-ho, although the two are very unlikely to speak to one another.

BBC

Additionally 65% wanted unity of Muslim states under a caliphate (Pankhurst, Reza. The inevitable Caliphate, p.161) When asked what kind of system he would like to live under, Osama Bin Laden famously replied, "All Muslims would like to live under Sharia Law".

Huffington Post

If the Senate could put partisanship aside on this crucial issue and vote unanimously, why do the House Republican leadership and the president return to partisan warfare at a time when the American people want and need unity of purpose?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "want of unity", ensure the context clearly indicates the absence of agreement or cohesion is causing a problem or deficiency. The phrase is best suited for formal or analytical writing.

Common error

Avoid using "want of unity" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "lack of unity" or "disagreement" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "want of unity" functions primarily as a noun phrase, describing a state or condition. Based on Ludwig AI's assessment, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable, indicating it conforms to established English language conventions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "want of unity" is a grammatically correct phrase that describes the absence of cohesion or agreement. While considered valid, Ludwig indicates it is less common than alternatives like "lack of unity". Its usage is best suited for formal writing. The phrase appears in news, academic, and encyclopedic contexts, revealing its analytical and objective tone. To enhance clarity in informal contexts, consider employing simpler alternatives. As Ludwig AI confirms, while correct, context dictates the best choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disunity

A direct antonym of unity, emphasizing the state of being not united.

lack of cohesion

Replaces "want" with "lack" and "unity" with "cohesion", focusing on the absence of connection.

absence of harmony

Substitutes "unity" with "harmony", emphasizing the lack of agreement or accord.

lack of consensus

Replaces "unity" with "consensus", highlighting the absence of shared opinion.

absence of agreement

Focuses specifically on the lack of mutual understanding or accord.

lack of accord

Similar to absence of agreement, but with a focus on formal agreement.

lack of solidarity

Emphasizes the absence of mutual support and shared purpose.

division

A single word expressing the state of being divided or disunited.

fractured relations

Highlights broken or damaged relationships, suggesting a lack of unity.

lack of cooperation

Focuses on the absence of collaborative effort.

FAQs

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

You can use "want of unity" to describe a situation where a lack of cohesion or agreement is evident. For example, "The project failed due to a want of unity among the team members."

What's a more common way to express "want of unity"?

A more common alternative is "lack of unity", which is more frequently used in contemporary English.

Is "want of unity" considered formal language?

Yes, "want of unity" leans towards formal language. In less formal contexts, consider using phrases like "disagreement" or "lack of cohesion".

Which is correct, "want of unity" or "lack of unity"?

Both "want of unity" and "lack of unity" are grammatically correct, but "lack of unity" is more common and widely accepted in modern usage.