Meaning & use
lacking in originality
Last updated
Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
Not having new or creative ideas; too similar to what already exists.
Grammar: Used after a linking verb: The film is lacking in originality. It does not take an object.
Patterns
- be lacking in originality
- seem lacking in originality
- something lacking in originality
The sequel was criticized for being lacking in originality.
Her latest novel is well written but lacking in originality.
The committee rejected the proposal because it was lacking in originality.
Common combinations
- be lacking in originality
- The new advertisement is lacking in originality; it copies last year's campaign.
- seem lacking in originality
- The design seems lacking in originality compared to their earlier work.
- criticize something as lacking in originality
- Reviewers criticized the movie as lacking in originality.
Synonyms and how they differ
- unoriginal
- Unoriginal is a single adjective that directly means not new; 'lacking in originality' is a phrase that sounds slightly more formal and critical.
- derivative
- Derivative suggests something is copied from another source; 'lacking in originality' is broader and can mean simply not creative.
- predictable
- Predictable means easy to guess what will happen next; 'lacking in originality' focuses on the absence of fresh ideas.
Opposites
Word family
- originality noun
- The quality of being new and creative.
- original adjective
- New and different from anything else.
Commonly confused: lacking in originality or lacking originality?
lacking in originality vs lacking originality
Both are correct, but 'lacking in originality' is more common and slightly more formal; 'lacking originality' is also used but less frequently.
Practice
The critics said the new play was ______ originality.
Choose one answer.
'Lacking in' is the correct phrase before a quality like originality. 'Lacking of' is not standard English. 'Lacking' alone would need a direct object, but 'originality' is not something you lack directly in this structure. 'Lack in' is not a correct phrase; the verb 'lack' does not take 'in'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “lacking in originality”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.