Can you give me examples of "for lack of a better word"?

He was, for lack of a better word, a genius. The movie was, for lack of a better word, boring. For lack of a better word, let's call it a success. The dish was, for lack of a better word, delicious. She was, for lack of a better word, stunning.

What are some alternatives to "for lack of a better word"?

in other words to put it simply to say the least if you will if I may say so

Can you give me examples of "or for lack of a better word"?

You can use a pen or, for lack of a better word, a pencil. We could go by car or, for lack of a better word, by train. You can choose the red one or, for lack of a better word, the blue one. We can meet at 3 or, for lack of a better word, at 4. You can call him now or, for lack of a better word, later.

What are some alternatives to "or for lack of a better word"?

or rather or perhaps or alternatively or else or instead

Which is correct:
"for lack of a better word" or "or for lack of a better word"?

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for lack of a better word

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

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This phrase is used when you are about to use a word that may not be the best choice, often to indicate that the word you are using is not perfect but the closest you can think of.

Examples:

He was, for lack of a better word, a genius.
The movie was, for lack of a better word, boring.
For lack of a better word, let's call it a success.
The dish was, for lack of a better word, delicious.
She was, for lack of a better word, stunning.

Alternatives:

in other words
to put it simply
to say the least
if you will
if I may say so

or for lack of a better word

This phrase is correct but less common in English.

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This phrase may be used when presenting alternatives or options, indicating that the following word or phrase is not the best choice but the closest available.

Examples:

You can use a pen or, for lack of a better word, a pencil.
We could go by car or, for lack of a better word, by train.
You can choose the red one or, for lack of a better word, the blue one.
We can meet at 3 or, for lack of a better word, at 4.
You can call him now or, for lack of a better word, later.

Alternatives:

or rather
or perhaps
or alternatively
or else
or instead

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'For lack of a better word' is the more common and idiomatic expression, used when you are about to use a word that may not be the best choice. On the other hand, 'or for lack of a better word' is less common and may be used when presenting alternatives or options.

Last updated: March 27, 2024

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