Learn English – One word to describe experiencing a “lack of idea” or lack of subject, lack of topic etc

single-word-requests

I am looking for a word that would denote the lack of an idea.

For example, I am experiencing a lack of ideas to write an essay about. Or a lack of ideas to make a cartoon about.

Best Answer

Specific to creative writing, the term is Writer's Block:

Writer's block is a condition, primarily associated with writing, in which an author loses the ability to produce new work, or experiences a creative slowdown. (Wikipedia)

For other disciplines, the analogous term 'creative block' is gaining currency.

A more general word applicable to other disciplines would be stuck:

4.2 be/get stuck Be unable to progress with a task or find the answer or solution to something (Oxford)

If you experience diffculty thinking of a new topic, you could also say that you're

drawing a blank

Elicit no successful response; fail (Oxford)

Related Topic