lack of something vs lack something

Both "lack of something" and "lack something" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Lack of something" is more formal and commonly used in written English, while "lack something" is more informal and used in spoken English.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 1879 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in written English.

"lack of something"

This phrase is used to indicate the absence or shortage of a particular thing or quality. It is more formal and suitable for written contexts.

Examples:

The lack of communication in the team led to misunderstandings.
There is a lack of evidence to support the claim.
She felt the lack of support from her friends.
The lack of resources hindered the project's progress.
The lack of sleep affected his performance at work.

Show examples from the web [+]

And maybe my lack of jealousy meant something.
There therefore remains a certain lack of agreement, something upon which I wish to comment shortly.
I think that before the lack of safe haven something else went wrong: a vessel in a poor state of repair was sailing through dangerous seas.
There is something lack of a better way of saying it, I have been deceiving you.
Now, most times, this kind of behavior is indicative of a lack of stability, something she's having a hard time understanding, maybe problems at home or...
But it lacks something of the male vigour.
Furthermore, the report states that there is a lack of strategic vision, something which the rapporteur also said.
Criticism of the lack of public participation is something that can be heard in nearly all the Member States.
Paper is patient, but we are not; a lack of ambition is not something that Bulgaria can afford at this decisive point in its history.
He asked for that consultation period to be reopened just for a further couple of months, because he believes that fresh message about the lack of working capital is something that we really ought to take on board.
I love this car, but it lacks something.
Yes, but it lacks something.
Your movies always lack something You know what it is?
But I have something you lack...
I feel like there's a lack Where something important used to be.
And Mr. Wazowski, what you lack is something that cannot be taught.
I would argue that the report still lacks something, namely greater focus on procedures for punishing the citizens of the European Union States, who, sadly, are the main perpetrators of this abomination.
When human rights are violated on a sustained basis, the sovereignty of the states simply remains on paper, further proof that such governments lack something that is essential to act on a truly sovereign basis.
You have something I lack and hope to borrow for but a moment.
So we're very good, when acting out a solution, at spotting whether something lacks authenticity.

Alternatives:

absence of something
insufficiency of something
deficiency of something
scarcity of something
shortage of something

This phrase is correct and commonly used in spoken English.

"lack something"

This phrase is used informally to express the absence of something. It is more commonly used in spoken language and informal contexts.

Examples:

I lack the necessary skills for this job.
We lack the resources to complete the project.
She lacks the motivation to exercise regularly.
He lacks the experience needed for the position.
They lack the funds to start a business.

Show examples from the web [+]

Your movies always lack something You know what it is?
When human rights are violated on a sustained basis, the sovereignty of the states simply remains on paper, further proof that such governments lack something that is essential to act on a truly sovereign basis.
I love this car, but it lacks something.
Yes, but it lacks something.
But it lacks something of the male vigour.
I would argue that the report still lacks something, namely greater focus on procedures for punishing the citizens of the European Union States, who, sadly, are the main perpetrators of this abomination.
But I have something you lack...
I feel like there's a lack Where something important used to be.
And Mr. Wazowski, what you lack is something that cannot be taught.
So we're very good, when acting out a solution, at spotting whether something lacks authenticity.
I don't know. Sometimes, I feel like Hamilton just lacks that... something.
There is something lack of a better way of saying it, I have been deceiving you.
And maybe my lack of jealousy meant something.
You have something I lack and hope to borrow for but a moment.
There therefore remains a certain lack of agreement, something upon which I wish to comment shortly.
I think that before the lack of safe haven something else went wrong: a vessel in a poor state of repair was sailing through dangerous seas.
Now, most times, this kind of behavior is indicative of a lack of stability, something she's having a hard time understanding, maybe problems at home or...
They have something other women lack.
Then something's wrong with my soul. I lack the right sentiments.
He has something that most people lack.

Alternatives:

don't have something
are missing something
are without something
are deficient in something
are short of something

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lack of something vs lack something