What does "or lack of it" mean?

Question

I came across the phrase "or lack of it" for several times in many articles, but I have no idea what it means. Here are some example:

"I've really learned to appreciate comments like this. It's a wonderfully clear example of the relative value - or lack of it - that conservatives place on people's lives."

"In fact, most people do not imagine the role beliefs play in their financial success or lack of it."

Can anybody tell me what it means? Thanks a lot!

Answer 1

If I may paraphrase your example, perhaps it will convey the meaning of "or lack of it."

"I've really learned to appreciate comments like this. It's a wonderfully clear example of the relative value - or the absence of the relative value - that conservatives place on people's lives."

"In fact, most people do not imagine the role beliefs play in their financial success or in the absence of their financial success."

It merely means that something is missing:

Missing = Lacking

Answer 2

Saying that there is a "lack of" something is a bit like saying the thing does _not_ happen.

So the first statement is basically saying: "It's a wonderfully clear example of how conservatives do -- or do not -- place value on life." (The speaker might be trying to be a bit sarcastic here, by the way. I'm guessing that he or she does not really believe that conservatives might not place any value on life.)

The second sentence means something like "Most people don't realize that their beliefs are a big part of the reason why they do -- or do not -- succeed."

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Using your example to explain:

Speaking about the "relative value" conservatives place on people's lives, the phrase "or lack of it" (more eloquently, it would be "or lack thereof") eludes to the fact that the writer thinks that conservatives may not actually place much value at all on peoples lives.

It the financial success example, "lack of it" refers to the idea that beliefs may play a role in how UNsuccessful people may be financially.

The phrase "or lack of it" is a way of acknowledging both ends of the spectrum when discussing an issue. ie; "Your understanding of the phrase, or lack thereof, greatly affects your ability to comprehend what you are reading."

Answer 4

I believe it is meant for an either/or type of situation. The beliefs play a role in financial success, but if your beliefs lead to financial misery, then that would be a lack of financial success. So the beliefs can lead to financial success or lack of it.

Answer 5

It means "If the worst happens or if the best happens, it will be because of this."

For example, in the first phrase, the person is saying "here is how much value they put on life, and also, that they put NO value on life."

In the second phrase, they're saying "If you have success, it's because of your beliefs. If you have NO success, that's also because of your beliefs."
.

Answer 6

lack refers to the absence or caresty of something
"what a lack of respect!"

in context they are saying things like your beliefs affect if you have success or not. again your beliefs affect your success or THE LACK of it (the absence of it)