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 • 876 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.

Show examples from the web [+]

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.

Show examples from the web [+]

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

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