financial constraints

USAGE SUMMARY

"financial constraints" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a lack of money or resources that prevent someone from performing an action or achieving a goal. For example, "The school was unable to upgrade its computer equipment due to financial constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There are financial constraints.

The Guardian

And they'll have different financial constraints.

The New York Times

To boot there are serious financial constraints.

The Guardian

But the financial constraints still create divisions.

The New York Times

This is partly due to financial constraints.

The Guardian

"These financial constraints really stress kids out".

The New York Times

Typically, the applicants' financial constraints are private information.

Research Policy

"Local government is changing hugely because of our financial constraints.

The Guardian

"Remember that we worked under severe financial constraints.

The New York Times

They face financial constraints, political censorship and public indifference.

The New York Times - Arts

Knowing Aileen's financial constraints, Karen Solomon stepped in.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing limitations on projects or initiatives, specify the exact area of impact the "financial constraints" are causing (e.g., "financial constraints" hindering research efforts or preventing expansion).

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the severity of "financial constraints" without providing specific examples of how they affect operations or outcomes. For instance, instead of saying "the project failed due to financial constraints", explain which aspects were compromised or unattainable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "financial constraints" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a condition that limits actions or possibilities. As Ludwig highlights, it is widely used across various contexts to denote restrictions related to monetary resources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

48%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "financial constraints" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes limitations due to a lack of funds. As Ludwig confirms, it is versatile, appearing frequently in news, scientific research, and business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you provide specific examples of its impact to avoid overstatement. Alternatives such as "budgetary limitations" or "funding shortfalls" may offer a more nuanced meaning depending on the context. Being mindful of these nuances will help improve your writing quality and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fiscal limitations

Similar to budgetary limitations but may refer to broader fiscal policy.

budgetary limitations

Focuses specifically on restrictions related to a budget.

monetary restrictions

Specifically denotes restrictions on money or currency.

funding shortfalls

Emphasizes the lack of adequate funding.

funding deficit

Highlights a situation where funding is insufficient.

economic restrictions

Highlights limitations imposed by economic conditions.

lack of capital

Refers specifically to a deficiency in financial assets or capital.

limited resources

Broader term that encompasses more than just financial resources but can imply them.

cash flow problems

Focuses on difficulties related to the movement of money in and out of an organization or entity.

economic hardship

Indicates a difficult economic situation, often implying financial strain.

FAQs

How can I use "financial constraints" in a sentence?

You can use "financial constraints" to describe limitations on actions due to lack of funds, such as, "The company's expansion plans were curtailed due to "financial constraints"".

What are some alternatives to saying "financial constraints"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "budgetary limitations", "funding shortfalls", or "economic restrictions".

Are "financial constraints" always a negative thing?

While generally negative, "financial constraints" can sometimes spur innovation or efficiency by forcing individuals or organizations to find creative, cost-effective solutions.

What's the difference between "financial constraints" and "economic hardship"?

"Financial constraints" refers to specific limits on available funds, whereas "economic hardship" implies a broader, more severe struggle with financial well-being.