cash strapped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cash strapped" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone or an organization that is experiencing a shortage of money or financial resources. Example: "Due to the recent economic downturn, many families are cash strapped and struggling to make ends meet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Historical societies are cash strapped nationwide.

The New York Times - Arts

Most smallholder households are severely cash strapped.

The Guardian

Students are, by nature, cash strapped.

TechCrunch

"They're cash strapped".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It is, however, cash-strapped already.

The Economist

3. The Cash-Strapped House Guest (Domesticus aeternus britannicus-journalisticus).

The New Yorker

Cash-Strapped States Target The Rich.

Forbes

Nokia Woos Cash-Strapped Music Lovers.

Forbes

See Also: Cash-Strapped States Target The Rich.

Forbes

Wait, did I say cash-strapped?

Vice

That's left the Ecuadorian side cash-strapped.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an organization or institution as "cash strapped", provide context about the reasons for their financial difficulties to give a clearer picture.

Common error

Avoid using "cash strapped" to describe minor or temporary financial inconveniences; it's more appropriate for situations of significant and prolonged financial strain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cash strapped" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a state of financial difficulty or lack of available funds. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cash strapped" is a grammatically sound and usable adjective phrase that effectively describes a state of financial difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Though relatively uncommon, it is primarily found in news and media contexts. When using "cash strapped", it's best to provide context and avoid overstating the severity of the financial situation. Alternatives like "financially strained" or "short on funds" may be suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strapped for cash

A variation of the original phrase with a slight change in word order.

financially strained

Focuses on the overall financial condition being under pressure.

short on funds

Directly indicates a lack of available money.

lacking funds

Simple and direct way of saying there's no money available.

in financial difficulty

Highlights the state of having monetary troubles.

experiencing financial hardship

Emphasizes the severity of the financial situation.

broke

Informal way of saying one has no money.

penniless

Describes having absolutely no money.

insolvent

Describes the state of being unable to pay debts.

impecunious

A more formal and less common way of saying "poor" or "lacking money".

FAQs

How can I use "cash strapped" in a sentence?

You can use "cash strapped" to describe individuals, organizations, or even governments that are experiencing a shortage of funds. For example: "The "cash strapped company" had to lay off several employees."

What are some alternatives to saying "cash strapped"?

Alternatives include "financially strained", "short on funds", or "strapped for cash", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "cash strapped" formal or informal?

"Cash strapped" is generally considered to be a neutral term, suitable for both news reporting and general conversation. However, more formal alternatives like "financially distressed" might be preferred in highly formal contexts.

What's the difference between "cash strapped" and "bankrupt"?

"Cash strapped" indicates a temporary or ongoing shortage of funds, while "bankrupt" is a legal term indicating that an individual or organization is unable to pay their debts and has declared insolvency.