economically distressed

USAGE SUMMARY

'economically distressed' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person, group, or region that is suffering from poverty or financial woes. For example: "The people living in economically distressed areas are often overlooked in the political process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

She added, "We have the greatest concentration of economically distressed counties in the state.

The New Yorker

The place has to a neighborhood that the government defines as economically distressed.

The New York Times

In addition to bad health outcomes, these counties are among the most economically distressed in the nation.

Independent

It is one of the city's oldest and largest parks, in one of America's most economically distressed areas.

The New York Times

Even though the parish is in a very economically distressed area, it is a "diamond in the rough"!

The New York Times

No one seems to dispute the worthiness of that project, especially in economically distressed Fulton County, where the unemployment rate stood at 9 percent in October.

The New York Times

Unions and upstate legislators have been resistant to such closings because the detention centers provide hundreds of jobs in economically distressed parts of the state.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, cities in economically distressed parts of the state like Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse experienced population declines of 6 percent to 8 percent.

The New York Times

The imposition of more taxes and trade restrictions prodded the economically distressed Cubans in 1895 to launch the Cuban War of Independence, a resumption of the earlier struggle.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In a Web video released ahead of his arrival in Des Moines, Mr. Romney's campaign highlighted the stories of unemployed and economically distressed Iowans.

The New York Times

SOUND IT OUT The story of the last surviving record store — vinyl, that is — in Teesside, an economically distressed town in North East England.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing areas or populations affected by economic hardship, use "economically distressed" to convey a formal and objective tone. This phrase avoids potentially stigmatizing language.

Common error

Avoid replacing "economically distressed" with overly vague or indirect terms. While euphemisms like "challenged" may seem gentler, they can obscure the severity of the situation and diminish the impact of your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "economically distressed" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying nouns like "areas", "communities", or "people". It describes a state of financial hardship or economic difficulty. As Ludwig suggests, this phrase is widely and correctly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "economically distressed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase to describe areas, populations, or entities facing financial hardship. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is generally considered objective and appropriate for formal contexts such as news reports, academic papers, and business communications. While alternatives like "financially troubled" or "impoverished" exist, "economically distressed" often provides a more neutral and less stigmatizing description. When writing, it's best to avoid overly vague euphemisms and maintain clarity regarding the severity of the economic situation. Its consistent application across reputable sources such as The New York Times, The Economist and Forbes solidifies its standing as a reliable and effective term for conveying economic challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

facing economic difficulties

Highlights the active struggle with economic problems.

economically challenged

A milder, more euphemistic way to describe economic hardship.

suffering economic hardship

Directly states the experience of enduring economic difficulties.

financially troubled

Focuses specifically on financial problems, lacking broader economic context.

economically deprived

Focuses on the lack of economic opportunities and resources.

in economic hardship

Highlights the experience of suffering due to economic difficulties.

under economic strain

Suggests pressure and difficulty due to economic factors.

economically vulnerable

Emphasizes susceptibility to economic shocks and instability.

impoverished

Emphasizes a state of poverty and deprivation.

in financial crisis

Indicates a severe and immediate financial emergency.

FAQs

How can I use "economically distressed" in a sentence?

You can use "economically distressed" to describe areas, populations, or situations facing significant economic hardship. For example: "The government is implementing programs to support "economically distressed" communities".

What are some synonyms for "economically distressed"?

Alternatives include "financially troubled", "impoverished", or "economically challenged". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "economically distressed" or "poor"?

"Economically distressed" is a more formal and often more objective term than "poor". "Poor" can sometimes carry a stigma, while "economically distressed" focuses on the economic conditions affecting an area or group of people.

What's the difference between "economically distressed" and "economically depressed"?

"Economically distressed" generally refers to a state of financial hardship or struggle, while "economically depressed" often implies a more prolonged and severe decline in economic activity.