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

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'For lack of a better word' is a common expression used when you can't think of a more suitable term. On the other hand, 'for the lack of a better alternative' is used when there is no better option available.

Last updated: March 26, 2024 • 3573 views

for lack of a better word

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used when you can't think of a more suitable term to describe something.

Examples:

  • I would describe it as, for lack of a better word, 'interesting.'
  • For lack of a better word, let's call it a 'challenge.'
  • 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 more appropriate term
  • in the absence of a better word

for the lack of a better alternative

This phrase is correct but less commonly used than the first one.

This phrase is used when there is no better option available.

Examples:

  • We chose this option for the lack of a better alternative.
  • For the lack of a better alternative, we had to go with the original plan.
  • Here at the Cuesta Verda Institute for the criminally insane, things are about to get, for the lack of a better word, a little nuts.
  • Apologies for the lack of church, vicar/priest...
  • Which would account for the lack of blood at the crime scene.
  • Though I'm fairly grateful for the lack of a ring.
  • I'm sorry for the lack of communication today.
  • Sorry for the lack of warning, dearie.
  • But it would account for the lack of grieving relatives.
  • There. That should compensate for the lack of enzyme in your system.
  • Russia would never forgive us for the lack of daring.
  • He said the blame for the lack of agreement lay with the nationalistic bureaucracies.
  • The Council as a whole must share responsibility for the lack of progress.
  • It may be concluded that restructuring in that form compensates for the lack of remuneration.
  • Sorry for the lack of finesse.
  • I apologize ahead of time for the lack of a mezze plate.
  • And they will all blame each other for the lack of powder.
  • I apologize for the lack of windows.
  • The world is better for the lack of that man.
  • The reason for the lack of success with this heading could also lie simply in the almost deterringly restrictive access conditions for support.
  • Support systems for energies from renewable sources therefore constitute political instruments to compensate for the lack of internali s ation of external costs and for competitive disadvantages in distorted energy markets.
  • I must apologize for the lack of decorum on the part of my new colleague.

Alternatives:

  • for want of a better alternative
  • due to the absence of a better alternative
  • because there is no better alternative

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 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

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