TextRanch

The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

Our experts

for lack of a better word vs for lack of a better alternative

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'For lack of a better word' is commonly used when you can't find a more suitable term to use, while 'for lack of a better alternative' is used when there is no better option available.

Last updated: March 26, 2024 • 864 views

for lack of a better word

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used when you can't find a more suitable term to use.
  • Now, I don't want to burn anyone's cover or undermine this investigation, but I'd like to rule out any possibility that Arthur might have been... for lack of a better word, sloppy during his assignations, for personal reasons.
  • But in my candid moments, I sometimes wonder if I take the stance I do because love, for lack of a better word, is a game I fail to understand, and so I opt not to play.
  • The point is, ladies and gentlemen, that greed, for lack of a better word, is good.
  • I think what you're feeling is perfectly valid and maybe a little bit later when you're feeling a little less... for lack of a better word - violated, maybe we can talk about this some more.
  • for lack of a better word - violated, maybe we can talk about this some more.
  • I think what you're feeling is perfectly valid and maybe a little bit later when you're feeling a little less... for lack of a better word - violated, maybe we can talk about this some more.
  • This pecan had undergone a unique digestive process rendering it into, for lack of a better word, a rock.
  • Well, I'm hoping that the traitor will, for lack of a better word, confess.
  • Bites so deep they left, for lack of a better word, craters in their flesh.
  • I am here to say that greed, for lack of a better word, is good.
  • Let's say he's... for lack of a better word... real.
  • You see this ink here, for lack of a better word?
  • It is also a front for a very large, very old outfit run by Amancio Malvado, who is, for lack of a better word, the mark.
  • But now I find myself in need of something new, which for lack of a better word we shall call "magic."
  • For lack of a better word, it's a classic.
  • For lack of a better word, it's a classic.
  • For lack of a better word,
  • For lack of a better word, they tend to choose more feminine ways to die.
  • They share a group delusion... a boogieman, for lack of a better word.
  • Right. They share a group delusion - a boogieman, for lack of a better word.

Alternatives:

  • for want of a better word

for lack of a better alternative

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used when there is no better option available.
  • For lack of a better word, it's a classic.
  • For lack of a better word, it's a classic.
  • For lack of a better clinical term, she was a hot mess.
  • For lack of a better term, it's... changing him.
  • We were "hacktivists." For lack of a better word.
  • Well, for lack of a better term, you're my girlfriend.
  • My software can test whether the rockets are reachable across an IP network, thus creating a traceable ping for lack of a better word.
  • Right now, for lack of a better choice, I am.
  • After all, you were raised by... for lack of a better term... your mother.
  • For lack of a better word,
  • Spike's essence, for lack of a better term... must've been held within it.
  • They share a group delusion... a boogieman, for lack of a better word.
  • Well, I'm hoping that the traitor will, for lack of a better word, confess.
  • For lack of a better word, they tend to choose more feminine ways to die.
  • Right. They share a group delusion - a boogieman, for lack of a better word.
  • Bites so deep they left, for lack of a better word, craters in their flesh.
  • I am here to say that greed, for lack of a better word, is good.
  • This pecan had undergone a unique digestive process rendering it into, for lack of a better word, a rock.
  • The point is, ladies and gentlemen, that greed, for lack of a better word, is good.
  • Let's say he's... for lack of a better word... real.

Alternatives:

  • for lack of a better choice
  • for lack of a better option

Related Comparisons

for lack of a better word vs or for lack of a better word is a big influence to all of us vs is a big influence for all of us good for a change of air vs get a change of air for lack of a better word vs for the lack of a better alternative good for a change of air vs good for a change of scenery a lack of familiarity vs lack of familiarity

What Our Customers Are Saying

Our customers love us! We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283,125 votes.
Also check out our 2,100+ reviews on TrustPilot (4.9TextRanch on TrustPilot).

Why choose TextRanch?

Lowest prices
Up to 50% lower than other online editing sites.

Fastest Times
Our team of editors is working for you 24/7.

Qualified Editors
Native English experts for UK or US English.

Top Customer Service
We are here to help. Satisfaction guaranteed!