What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
without
Example
I can't cook without salt. [without: preposition]
Example
She went to the party without her phone. [without: conjunction]
Example
He managed to fix the car without any help. [without: adverb]
lacking
Example
The team was lacking in experience. [lacking: verb]
Example
Her essay was lacking in depth and analysis. [lacking: adjective]
Example
He felt lacking in confidence during the presentation. [lacking: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Without is more common than lacking in everyday language and covers a wide range of contexts, while lacking is less common and typically used in more formal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between without and lacking?
Lacking is more formal than without and is typically used in academic, professional, or technical writing. Without is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
