Financial black hole

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "financial black hole" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a situation where money is being lost or wasted without any clear benefit or return. For example, "Investing in that project felt like throwing money into a financial black hole." Alternative expressions include "money pit," "financial sinkhole," and "budget drain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The palliative care unit has become a financial black hole.

The Guardian

Japanning had been remunerative; books were a financial black hole.

The New York Times

The grain offices employ 4m people and are a financial black hole.

The Economist

Has this sorry experience killed off the new B-2 bomber, another financial black hole?

The New York Times - Books

But there is a problem: groceries may be a financial black hole.

The Guardian - Tech

First, who is going to cough up for this enormous financial black hole?

The Guardian - Opinion

Markets are unsettled, however, in part because no one knows how deep the financial black hole might be.

The New York Times

And make no mistake: this financial black hole at the heart of Barclays owes its origins to Mr Diamond.

The Guardian - Opinion

Naftogaz has a big financial black hole (5.7% of GDP last year) because it sells gas to Ukrainians far below the cost of importing it.

The Economist

It was passed through two anonymous offshore companies, registered by BAE in the financial "black hole" of the British Virgin Islands.

The Guardian

This extra funding is going to have to stretch a long way – filing the existing financial black hole, meeting rising pension costs, funding demand pressures and supporting transformation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "financial black hole", clearly specify what is causing the financial loss or waste. Provide context to help the reader understand the scope and impact of the issue.

Common error

Avoid using "financial black hole" too frequently in your writing. While it's a vivid metaphor, overuse can diminish its impact. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "money pit" or "economic drain" to keep your writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "financial black hole" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object. It describes something that consumes a large amount of money without producing any tangible benefits. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "financial black hole" is a common and correct noun phrase used to describe situations where money is being lost or wasted without any clear benefit or return. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely used in diverse contexts, particularly in news, business, and financial discussions. When writing, it's crucial to provide context about the cause of the loss and avoid overuse. Alternatives like "money pit" or "economic drain" can offer variety and avoid repetition. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register, you can effectively use "financial black hole" to communicate concerns about wasteful spending.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fiscal sinkhole

Replaces "financial" with "fiscal", emphasizing government or public finance.

money pit

A more informal term for a project or investment that consumes a lot of money without return.

bottomless pit of money

Emphasizes the endless need for funds with no end in sight.

economic drain

Focuses on the draining effect on the overall economy or budget.

financial drain

Focuses on the draining effect on the finances

loss-making venture

Highlights the venture's consistent inability to generate profit.

cash sink

A more concise way of saying something is consuming a lot of cash.

revenue vacuum

Implies a situation where revenue is constantly being absorbed.

deficit generator

Highlights the activity's contribution to creating a deficit.

economic quicksand

Implies a dangerous situation where resources are easily lost and difficult to recover.

FAQs

How can I use "financial black hole" in a sentence?

You can use "financial black hole" to describe situations where money is being lost or wasted without a clear return. For example, "The project became a "financial black hole", consuming all our resources."

What are some alternatives to "financial black hole"?

Alternatives include "money pit", "economic drain", or "fiscal sinkhole". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "financial black hole" in formal writing?

Yes, "financial black hole" can be used in formal writing, particularly in business or economic contexts. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. In some cases, a more neutral term like "budget deficit" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "financial black hole" and "money pit"?

"Financial black hole" and "money pit" are similar, but "financial black hole" often implies a larger, more systemic issue, while "money pit" can refer to a specific project or investment that's draining resources.