financial difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'financial difficulty' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone is having a hard time managing their finances or incurring too many expenses. For example: "My family has been having financial difficulty and can't afford a vacation this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Friends say he is in financial difficulty.

The Guardian - Sport

"The NUS group is facing financial difficulty.

The Guardian

Eaves had been in financial difficulty since 2010.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

By 1990, many banks were in deep financial difficulty.

The New York Times

Two years ago, Paula Hawkins was in "financial difficulty".

The Guardian - Books

Those debts have forced many into financial difficulty.

The New York Times

That of insecurity; of financial difficulty; or precarious footing.

Independent

Without protection insurance, people can be put into financial difficulty".

Independent

"The OfS will not bail out providers in financial difficulty.

The Guardian

In contrast, the effect of prior financial difficulty was explained by baseline depression symptoms.

Social Science & Medicine

One of its partners, the Brazilian airline Varig, is also in deep financial difficulty.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing sensitive topics like "financial difficulty", use clear and empathetic language to avoid causing further distress. Focus on providing solutions and support rather than dwelling on the problem.

Common error

Avoid using overly dramatic language when describing "financial difficulty". Instead of saying "facing utter ruin", opt for a more balanced description like "experiencing significant financial challenges".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "financial difficulty" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes a state or condition of having problems managing finances, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "financial difficulty" is a common and correct noun phrase used to describe challenging economic situations. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its prevalence in news, scientific, and business contexts indicates its versatility. While alternatives like "economic hardship" or "financial strain" exist, "financial difficulty" provides a clear and neutral way to discuss monetary problems. When writing about this topic, prioritize empathy and clarity, avoiding overly dramatic language and focusing on potential solutions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

economic hardship

Focuses on the broader economic conditions causing the difficulty.

monetary hardship

Highlights the lack of sufficient money.

financial strain

Emphasizes the pressure and stress caused by financial issues.

economic distress

Suggests a more severe and widespread economic problem.

pecuniary difficulties

A more formal way of expressing "financial difficulty".

budgetary constraints

Focuses on the limitations in spending due to a limited budget.

cash flow problems

Refers specifically to issues with the timing and amount of money coming in and going out.

fiscal challenges

Highlights the difficulties in managing finances, often in a business or governmental context.

debt problems

Focuses specifically on issues related to owing money.

credit crunch

Describes a situation where obtaining credit is difficult or impossible.

FAQs

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

You can use "financial difficulty" to describe a situation where someone is struggling to manage their finances. For example: "The company is facing "financial difficulty" due to the recent economic downturn."

What are some alternative phrases for "financial difficulty"?

Some alternative phrases for "financial difficulty" include "economic hardship", "monetary hardship", or "financial strain", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "financial difficulty" in formal writing?

Yes, "financial difficulty" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a neutral and widely understood term. However, in highly formal contexts, you might consider "pecuniary difficulties".

What is the difference between "financial difficulty" and "financial hardship"?

"Financial difficulty" generally refers to a challenging financial situation, while "financial hardship" often implies a more severe and prolonged period of financial struggle. The terms are often used interchangeably, but hardship suggests a greater degree of suffering.