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I want to use this phrase: a lack of knowledge in ( ), but I'm not sure if it is typical.

I got stuck in a lab assignment that required some background knowledge of computer security, and I would like to get the background info from teaching assistants.

Can I use this sentence? "Hi, I have a lack of knowledge in computer security, and I've searched the term XXX online, but I still didn't get it. Can you please explain to me what XXX means and where I suppose to look for XXX on the terminal."

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    I’d probably say that I was not well-versed in computer security and I’ve searched for the term... Then, by saying “I still didn’t get it” do you mean you found something on it but didn’t understand it or that you couldn’t find anything? Also, are you asking them to actually explain it or just where to look for it? And by “terminal” to you mean the internet or the computer? I wouldn’t think you’re actually still using a terminal at this stage.
    – Jim
    Jul 8, 2020 at 3:54
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    @Jim Not well versed -- good.
    – Richard Kayser
    Jul 8, 2020 at 4:17
  • I intended to use "I still didn't get it" to mean that I found something on the term but didn't understand it. I was asking them to actually explain it or/and provide some helpful readings for me to read. The terminal means the terminal application on computer. Thank you for asking these questions that inspire me to clarify my sentences. Thank you @Jim
    – Nicole
    Jul 26, 2020 at 3:47
  • If you want to use "I have a lack of knowledge..." it would be better to say "I have a lack of knowledge of ..." rather than "...a lack of knowledge in..."
    – BoldBen
    Aug 7, 2020 at 8:39

2 Answers 2

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If you're completely ignorant of the subject, you ought to say:

I'm unacquainted with computer security...

or

I'm unfamiliar with computer security...

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In a comment, Jim wrote:

I’d probably say that I was not well-versed in computer security and I’ve searched for the term.

If you're not well-versed in something, you don't know much about it.

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