lack solid evidence

/læk ˌsɒlɪd ˈevɪdəns/

verb phrase

  1. to not have strong, reliable proof that something is true; used about claims, arguments, theories, reports, or conclusions

    B2

    transitive: 'lack' takes a direct object; no 'of' and no 'in' after the verbformal

    • "His story sounds possible, but it lacks solid evidence."B2
    • "The report's conclusions lack solid evidence and should be treated with caution."C1
    • "Researchers say the treatment may work, but the study lacks solid evidence."B2
    • "However elegant the theory is, it lacks solid evidence and has failed every attempt at replication."C2

  2. to not have enough proof to justify taking action, especially in a legal or official situation

    B2

    transitive; often used with 'police', 'prosecutors', 'investigators' as the subjectformal

    • "The police dropped the case because they lacked solid evidence."B2
    • "Without solid evidence, the accusation will never reach court."C1
    • "Prosecutors privately conceded that they lacked solid evidence to secure a conviction."C2

Common mistakes

  • The theory lacks of solid evidence.→The theory lacks solid evidence.

    As a verb, 'lack' takes a direct object. Use 'of' only when 'lack' is a noun: 'a lack of solid evidence'.

  • They lack in solid evidence.→They lack solid evidence.

    Do not put 'in' after the verb 'lack'.

  • There is lack of solid evidence.→There is a lack of solid evidence.

    The noun 'lack' needs an article here.

Collocations

lack of evidencesolid evidencehard evidencecompelling evidencecircumstantial evidencea lack of solid evidence

Word family

lacklackingevidenceevidentevidently