financially challenged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "financially challenged" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe someone who is having difficulty managing their finances or paying bills. For example, "Many businesses around the world are now facing financially challenging times due to the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The financially challenged Wilpon family and the Mets?

The New York Times

Many groups are said to be financially challenged.

The New York Times

The financially challenged club came out of administration in midweek, but they can't have everything.

The Guardian - Sport

"For instance, can news organisations that are financially challenged still maintain democratic values?

The Guardian

"When I came on board in 2000 the company was severely financially challenged," he says.

The Guardian - Film

For the financially challenged, this translates into "a bang for a buck," Ms. Gachot said.

The New York Times

His next task takes place in a more artistic, if also financially challenged, realm.

The New York Times - Arts

Its clubs scout the talents of even more financially challenged European leagues, or of those in Africa.

The New York Times - Sports

But be warned: her program is not for the meek, the time-pressed or the financially challenged.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Financially-challenged 20-somethings Richard Archer (vocals), Ross Philips (guitar), Kai Stephens (bass) and Steve Kemp (drums).

The Guardian - Music

Financially-challenged Conference Premier club Hereford United have been placed under a transfer embargo.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing organizations or institutions, use "financially challenged" to convey a temporary state rather than a permanent condition, suggesting the possibility of improvement or recovery.

Common error

While "financially challenged" is generally acceptable, consider more direct or formal alternatives like "facing financial difficulties" or "experiencing financial hardship" in highly formal or business-oriented writing to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "financially challenged" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It's used to describe entities (people, organizations, etc.) that are experiencing difficulties related to their finances, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "financially challenged" is a commonly used and grammatically correct adjective phrase to describe entities facing monetary difficulties. As indicated by Ludwig, it serves as a more neutral or empathetic alternative to terms like "poor" or "broke". It's prevalent in News & Media, Academia, and Science sources, making it a versatile option for various writing contexts. While generally acceptable, remember to consider the specific tone of your writing and choose the most appropriate alternative when necessary. Using more direct alternatives like "facing financial difficulties" or economically disadvantaged is suggested when a formal tone is required. Steer clear of overly informal language, unless it aligns with the intended writing style. In all cases, understanding your audience and the context will always produce the most effective word choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

struggling financially

Emphasizes the effort and difficulty involved in managing finances.

facing financial difficulties

More formal and emphasizes the ongoing nature of the problem.

in financial need

Highlights the requirement for financial assistance or support.

experiencing financial hardship

Highlights the severity and impact of the financial problems.

in a difficult financial situation

Focuses on the situation rather than a characteristic.

in financial straits

More formal and implies a difficult or dangerous situation.

short of funds

Directly states the lack of available money.

having money troubles

More informal and direct way of expressing financial problems.

cash-strapped

Informal term indicating a lack of readily available cash.

economically disadvantaged

Focuses on socioeconomic status and systemic factors.

FAQs

How can I use "financially challenged" in a sentence?

You can use "financially challenged" to describe individuals, organizations, or situations facing monetary difficulties. For example, "The "financially challenged company" is seeking new investors".

What is a more formal alternative to "financially challenged"?

More formal alternatives include "facing financial difficulties", "experiencing financial hardship", or "economically disadvantaged" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "financially challenged" when describing a person?

Yes, but consider the context. It's generally more polite than saying someone is "poor" or "broke", but in some situations, it may be better to describe their situation more directly, such as "in financial need".

What's the difference between "financially challenged" and "economically disadvantaged"?

"Financially challenged" typically refers to a temporary or specific financial difficulty, while "economically disadvantaged" suggests a more long-term or systemic lack of economic opportunity.