wanting in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wanting in" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a lack or deficiency in a particular quality or characteristic. Example: "The project was wanting in creativity, which led to a lackluster presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

How wanting in inanity!

The New York Times - Books

This is wanting, in Berridge's scheme.

The New Yorker

Yet, Chelsea is neither naïve nor wanting in determination.

The New York Times - Sports

He leaves us wanting, in the most delicious way, more.

The Guardian - Books

Like too much of "Materiality," the result is overworked and — impermanent or not — wanting in imagination.

The New York Times - Arts

Also, the equation is wanting in that it does not predict condensation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As drama, the 1963 World Series was wanting in structure and development.

The New Yorker

Then he is wanting in reverence, and should be whipped for it.

The New Yorker

Some in the audience were refugees, or "X-O's"; others were formerly secular Jews wanting in.

The New York Times

Soldiers of Italy, will you be wanting in courage and steadfastness?

Encyclopedia Britannica

Like the England team, they have been found wanting in both competitions.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wanting in" to express a deficiency or lack of a particular quality or characteristic, especially when discussing abstract concepts or attributes. For example: "The argument was "wanting in" factual evidence."

Common error

Avoid using "wanting in" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise terms like "deficient" or "lacking" might be preferred. In casual writing, consider using simpler alternatives like "missing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wanting in" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a lack or deficiency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to describe what something is missing or what quality it does not possess.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wanting in" is a prepositional phrase used to express a deficiency or lack of a specific quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is deemed correct and usable. It finds frequent application across diverse contexts, including news media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While alternatives like "lacking in" are more common in contemporary English, "wanting in" retains its validity, particularly in slightly more formal settings. When crafting your content, bear in mind this advice to enhance your writing and evade prevalent mistakes. If the language requires enhanced formality, precision should be ensured.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking in

Indicates a deficiency or absence of something, similar to "wanting in" but is more commonly used.

deficient in

Emphasizes a more significant lack or inadequacy compared to "wanting in".

short on

Suggests a limited supply or amount, differing slightly from "wanting in" which implies a complete absence.

devoid of

Highlights a complete absence of something, carrying a stronger connotation than "wanting in".

missing

Focuses on the absence of something that should be present, rather than a general lack.

inadequate in

Emphasizes the insufficiency or unsuitability of something, compared to the broader sense of lack in "wanting in".

poor in

Suggests a low quantity or quality of something, differing slightly from the complete absence implied by "wanting in".

bereft of

Indicates a deprivation or loss, carrying a more emotional or poetic tone than "wanting in".

without

Simply indicates the absence of something, less nuanced than "wanting in".

scant in

Implies a small or insufficient amount, differing from the complete lack suggested by "wanting in".

FAQs

How can I use "wanting in" in a sentence?

Use "wanting in" to indicate that something lacks a particular quality or characteristic. For example, "The proposal was "lacking in" detail" or "The performance was "deficient in" energy".

What are some alternatives to "wanting in"?

Synonyms and related phrases include "lacking in", "deficient in", "short on", or simply "missing", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "wanting in" or "lacking in"?

Both "wanting in" and "lacking in" are grammatically correct. "Lacking in" is generally more common in contemporary usage, but "wanting in" is also perfectly acceptable, especially in slightly more formal contexts.

What does "wanting in" imply about the subject?

"Wanting in" implies that the subject is deficient or lacks a specific, often necessary, attribute or quality. It suggests a shortcoming that may affect the subject's completeness or effectiveness.