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 • 3607 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.'

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 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.

Show examples from the web [+]

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

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