cash-strapped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cash-strapped" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone or something that is experiencing a shortage of money or financial resources. Example: "The cash-strapped organization struggled to meet its operational expenses and had to cut several programs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact 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

That's left the Ecuadorian side cash-strapped.

Vice

Public services are cash-strapped.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an organization or entity, "cash-strapped" is best used to indicate a temporary shortage of funds, rather than a permanent state of bankruptcy or insolvency. Consider the long-term financial outlook when using this phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "cash-strapped" when the situation is more severe, such as long-term insolvency. Instead, use terms like "bankrupt" or "insolvent" to accurately describe the financial state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cash-strapped" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a temporary lack of funds. Ludwig's examples show it describing states, companies, shoppers, and individuals.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cash-strapped" is a useful adjective to describe entities facing a temporary shortage of funds, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically sound and commonly found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's important to ensure that the severity of the financial situation aligns with the term's implication of a solvable, temporary issue. Alternatives like "short of funds" or "financially challenged" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. The phrase maintains a neutral to professional tone, making it suitable for various formal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strapped for cash

Reverses the word order while maintaining similar meaning.

short of funds

Focuses on the simple lack of money.

financially challenged

Emphasizes the difficulties caused by the lack of funds.

in financial difficulties

Highlights the problematic situation due to money issues.

lacking resources

Broader term including non-monetary resources.

experiencing a budget deficit

Focuses on the shortfall in a budget.

suffering from liquidity issues

Highlights the difficulty in converting assets to cash.

broke

Informal way of saying someone has no money.

impecunious

Formal way of saying someone has little or no money.

penniless

Extreme lack of funds, often implying destitution.

FAQs

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

You can use "cash-strapped" to describe entities or individuals experiencing a temporary lack of funds. For example, "The "cash-strapped government" implemented austerity measures.".

What can I say instead of "cash-strapped"?

You can use alternatives like "short of funds", "financially challenged", or "lacking resources" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "cash-strapped" in formal writing?

Yes, "cash-strapped" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in news and business contexts. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the document.

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

"Cash-strapped" indicates a temporary shortage of funds, while "bankrupt" signifies a more severe and often permanent state of insolvency. A "cash-strapped company" may recover, but a bankrupt one typically requires significant restructuring or liquidation.